Discover medieval Bristol at St John on the Wall. Explore this hidden church built into the old city wall and descend into the vaulted crypt, uncovering its history and the stories of those who walked through its gate.
Discover new activities and interactive displays:
– Look for centuries of lost property belonging to characters from the city?s past
– Immerse yourself in an animated history of Bristol?s secret underground crypt
– Try on the outfit of a medieval merchantUncover the colourful past of the church?s walls
– See what a medieval church would have looked like with just one click
In the 12th-century there were five churches built into Bristol?s city walls, acting both as part of the city?s defences, and as places for travellers to offer prayers before a journey. St John on the Wall is the only one that remains. As you walk down the slope of Broad Street the view of the Gothic city gate with its elegant perpendicular spire rising above is stunning.
The building of St John on the Wall coincided with a period of great prosperity for Bristol. Walter Frampton – mayor of the city three times in the 14th century – founded the church and his splendid monument stands in the chancel. His effigy lies on a tombchest decorated with heraldic shields, with a long-tailed dog at his feet.