Bristol - The Cross and Vicinity

Facing Corn Street and adjoining the covered market at the rear, the Palladian style Exchange was built between 1740 and 1743 by John Wood the Elder. In front of the building stand four tables, the brass "nails" on which Bristol merchants used to settle their transactions, giving rise to the expression "paying on the nail".

Near the bridge stands the former St Nicholas' Church, now a museum. Among many items of interest are three huge panels ("The Sealing of the Tomb", "The Ascension" and "The Three Marys at the Tomb") comprising a triptych by William Hogarth, painted for the high altar of St Mary Redcliffe in 1756.

Christ Church (1786-90) opposite the Old Council House has an unusual clock.

After Christ Church, Broad Street passes the Bristol Guildhall (1843-46; on the left).

Two or three blocks northeast from the Theater Royal, the High Street runs from Bristol Bridge (18th-19th century) to the Cross.

The covered market in the High Street in Bristol dates from the mid 18th century.

The Old Council House, a neo-Classical building on the corner of Corn and Broad Streets, was constructed in 1827 by Robert Smirke (1781-1867).

Above the arch of St John's Gate rises the steeple of St John's Church (14th century; interesting crypt), the body of the church being on a level with the wall.

Past the Guildhall (1843-46; on the left), Broad Street ends at St John's Gate, originally part of the old city wall. Figures of Brennus and Belinus, mythical founders of Bristol, embellish the arch.

The large St Stephen's Church, two blocks to the west of the Exchange, dates from the mid 16th century.