Bristol - Trinity Cathedral

One of Bristol's two famous churches is Trinity Cathedral, originally the church of an Augustinian house but raised to cathedral status in 1542 when Henry VIII created a new diocese. Apart from the chapter house nothing remains of the Norman abbey, consecrated in 1165. Construction of the present church spans almost six hundred years. The east end, superbly rebuilt in the Decorated style by Abbot Knowle, dates from between 1298 and 1330. The central tower and transepts were the next to be completed (by 1500), after which building stopped.

Must-see attractions nearby:

St Mary Redcliffe

Floating Harbor

The nave and towered west facade are 19th century. The cathedral is a hall church, a type unusual in England but quite common, for example, in southern Germany. It is built without triforium or clerestory, the aisles and nave being of the same height. The Decorated style is seen most clearly in the clusters of pillars and the ribbed vaulting.

Things to See

Chapter House

The rectangular chapter house (ca. 1150-70) of Trinity Cathedral is noteworthy, with typical late Norman decoration - zigzags, fish scale pattern and interlacing - on the walls.

The gateway with Norman arcades opposite the west front of the cathedral belonged to the old Augustinian abbey.

Choir

The most splendid feature of the church is the choir (rebuilt in 1298), a structure of inspired lightness displaying an entirely new feeling for space. The choir stalls are modern but have misericords of about 1520. There are two Lady Chapels, one in Early English style (1210-20) adjoining the north transept and a later one (1298-1330) at the east end, still with its original altarpiece and 14th century windows. In the south aisle are unusual stellate tombs containing the remains of various distinguished abbots. The Berkeley Chapel contains a rare 15th century brass chandelier.

Address

Trinity Cathedral
Abbey Gatehouse
College Green
Bristol BS1 5TQ
England

http://www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk

Hours

	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
Open	8:00	8:00	8:00	8:00	8:00	8:00	7:30
Close	18:00	18:00	18:00	18:00	18:00	17:30	17:00

Disabled

Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.

Facilities

Gift shop
Restaurant or food service