A Handbook to St Mary Redcliffe Church, J. Chilcott 1848

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A HAND. BOOK 

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MXRY REDCLIFFE CHURCH, 

BRISTOL; 

\VITH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 

AND A LIST OF THE CHAPLAINS AND VICARS, ETC,, FROM A. D., 1207, TO 

THE PRESENT TIME. 

TO WHICH 1s 

SUBJOINED, THE 

ORIGINAL APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC, 

BY THE VICAR, CHURCHWARDENS, AND VESTRY, FOR THE RESTORATION OF THAT 

SPLENDID EDIFICE: WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE PARTIAL RESTORATION, 

AAD THE FORMATION OF THE CLNYNGE SOCIETY. 

@bir‘fl milieu, wrmn'fl to ti): 

przsmt timr. 

BRISTOL: 

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY J. 

CHILCOTT. 

MDGCCXLVIII. 

'

STAY, curyous traveller, and pass not bye, 

Until this fetivea pile astoundeb thine eye. 

Whole rocks on rocks, with yron joynd surveie, 

And okes with okes entremedc dispelled.d lie. 

This mightie pile, that keeps the wyndes at baie, 

Fyre-levyne, and the mokief storme defie, 

That shootes aloofe into the reaulrnes of daie, 

Shall be the record of the Buylder’s fame for aie. 

Thou seest this maystrie of a human hand, 

The pryde of Brystowe, and the westeme loude, 

Yet is the Buylder's vertues much moe greete, 

Greeter than can bie Rowlies pen be seande. 

Thou seest the saynctes and kynges in stonen state, 

That seemd with breath and human soule dispandes 

As payrdeh to us enseem these men of state 

Such is greete Canynges mynde when pay'rd to God elate. 

Well maiest thou be astounde, but view it well, 

Go not from hence before thou see thy fill, 

And learn the Buylder’s vertues and his name ; 

Of this tall spyre in every countie tell, 

And with thy tale the lazingl rych men’s shame ; 

Showe howe the glorious Canynge did excelle ; 

How hee good man a friend for kinges became, 

And gloryous paved at once the way to heaven and fame. 

Rowms, by Cnxrrnmos. 

I Felive, elegant. ' Mokie, gloomy 

* Auounde, aatrmiah. l Dispande, expanded. 

s Entremed, intermixed. '1 Payrde, compared. * 

“ Disponed, diapered. i Lazing, inactive. 

‘ Fyer-levyn, lightning.

ST. MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH.* 

“ The pride 0! Brinwc and the “'Onle‘rne Louder 

PERHA'PS no church in the kingdom has greater claims 

to the attention of the topographer and the historian, 

than the church of St. Mary Redchfle. Its antiquity, 

the beauty of its architecture, and the interesting cir 

cumstances connected with its history, entitle it to 

peculiar notice. It is also associated with the enterprises 

of genius, for its name has been blended with the repu 

tation of Rowley, of Canynge, and of Chatterton; and 

it is therefore always visited with enthusiasm by the 

lover of poetry, and the admirer of art; and when the 

interesting fabric shall have mouldered into ruins, even 

those will be trodden with veneration, as sacred to the 

recollection of genius of the highest order. 

* Both St. Mary Redclifi'e and St. Thomas’ churches were originally 

chapels to Bedminster, and now, together with Abbots' Leigh, form but one 

Vicarage. Mr. Britten, the architectural antiquarian, says, “ The ecclesias 

fical history of Radcliffe may be considered peculiar, if not truly singular. 

It constitutes part of the parish of Bedminster; it is in the diocese of Bristol, 

and is a prebend to the Cathedral of Salisbury. This prebend comprehends 

Redclifl'e, with the parishes of Bedminster, Abbots’ Leigh, and St. Thomas; 

yet the parochial regulations are held distinct. The living of Bedminster is 

both a rectory and a vicar-age; and as prebend, the incumbent is patron of 

all the other living-s. He is nominated by the bishop of Salisbury. Previous 

to the year 1247, Redclilfe and the Temple-fee were vested in the Knights 

Templars."

6 ST. MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH. 

Redclifi'e Church has consequently been the subject 

of no ordinary degree of interest. Its early history has 

engaged the most assiduous attention, and employed the 

deepest research of some of the most eminent antiqua 

ries, historians, and topographers ; but, alas! the result 

of their toil has ended in contradictory conclusions, in 

creased no doubt by Chatterton’s inventions and forgeries. 

Nor have the MS. memoranda found in different collec 

tions, relating to the more recent stages of the inquiry, 

been more successful? 1Vills of as early date as 1207, 

1229, and 1230, which devise several grants of land for 

the purpose of keeping the church of our lady of Red 

clifle in repair; and several original indulgences, of the 

dates of 1232, 1246, and 1248, granted by several bishops, 

with relaxation of penance on certain conditions, viz. 

that “ they would devoutly visit the church of the blessed 

Mary Redclifle in Bristol, and there charitany contribute 

towards the repairs of the same, and pray for the souls 

of those there interred,” were found in Canynge's chest, 

over the north porch of the present church of Redclifl'e, 

which establishes the fact of the then existing church; 

yet the earliest authority we have for dates as to the 

foundation of it is contained in “ The Old Chronicles of 

'° “ Radcliffe,” says Leland, (Itin., v01. vii., p. 86,) “ a little suburb, was 

joined to the city by a stone bridge, so thick set with houses that it seemed 

a street rather than a bridge. This part is enclosed within the walls, and 

the inhabitants are free of the city.” He immediately adds, “ among the 

fairest of churches is St. Mary de Redclifi'e, without the walls, with a grand 

ascent of steps,” 5m. 8m. 

Leland adds, that “ St. Sprite’s Chapell,” (synonymous with Lamyng'ton’s 

Lady’s Chapel, according to Barrett,) “inRadclef churchyard, was one a 

paroche, afore the building-e of Radclyfe new churche." 

William Wyrcestre, who was a native of Bristol, and lived in the time of 

Henry VI., calls St. Sprite’s “ an ancient chapel, near Redclefl'e Church.”

sr. MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH. 7 

Bristol,” (now in the possession of the Chamber of 

Bristol,) which state that a “ church was built to our lady 

at Redclifl'e, by Sir Simon de Burton, in the year 1292.” 

This church, however, seems not to have been com 

pleted by him, nor to have obtained very large endow 

ments, for a MS. (Hobson’s) says, “Simon de Burton, 

mayor in 1294, had two years before began to build 

Redclifl'e Church; but he lived not to finish it, which 

afterwards William Canynge did, and gave lands to re 

pair it for ever.” 

It appears William Canynge, senior,“ mayor of Bristol, 

completed the body of Redcliffe Church from the cross 

aisle downwards, in 1376, and so the church was finished 

as it now is; and as this was eighty-four years after the 

dedication of Burton’s church, it may be considered to 

be the finishing of what had been begun and partly ac 

complished by its founder. It was customary at that 

time for the builder of a church to begin at the east end, 

or choir part, which, when finished, was consecrated, 

and the remainder was gradually prosecuted, either by 

the original projector, or by his immediate successors. 

Barrett (p. 570) says, the church was probably not 

finished before the year 1396, which is more than a 

century after it was commenced by Burton. This con 

clusion of Barrett arose, perhaps, from the difficulty of 

making rapid progress in great undertakings at so early 

an era, as well from the want of money and efficient 

workmen, as from the many difficulties arising from the 

elaborate and ornamental nature of the Gothic workman 

"' He was member of parliament for Bristol in 1364, 1383, and 1384.— 

311st History quristol, p. 151.

8 sr. MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH. 

ship employed in this church. But the principal reason 

for believing that the building was not finished till the 

above date is, that several wills, dated about the year 

1380, state that money was left “for the fabric, and 

towards repairing the church of Redcliffe ;” and among 

others, the will of John Muleward contains a gift in 

money “ ad opus Beam Marine dc Radcleve,” which Bar 

rett justly regards as a proof that the work was going on 

at that time. 

In 1445-6 the lofty spire or steeple was struck by 

lightning, and one hundred feet of it fell with such a 

tremendous force on the body of the church, as nearly 

to reduce it to a ruinous heap. 

The following extracts, from ancient MS. accounts of 

this awful visitation, are recorded by Barrett; one runs 

thus 2—“ 1445, at St. Paul’s tide, was very tempestuous 

weather, by which Redcliife steeple was owrthrown in a 

thunder clap, doing great harm to the church by the fall 

thereof; but by the good devotion of Mr. William 

Canynge it was re-edified, to his everlasting praise.” 

Another MS., though differing in the year, says, “In 

1442,” (the year Mr. William Canynge was mayor,) “ this 

William Canynge, wyth the helpe of others of the wor 

shypfulle towns of Bristol, kept masons and workmenne 

to edifie,repayre, cover, and glaze the church of Redcliffe, 

which his grandfather had founded in the days of Ed 

ward III.” A third MS.—“William Canynge“ re-edified 

and enlarged the church of Redcliffe, almost destroyed 

“ Here we have a second William Canynge, son of John and grandson of 

William, for a founder, which will settle the doubts that have arisen about 

his being the sole original founder of this church.

ST. MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH. 9 

by lightning)“ in 1445, in so exquisite a manner, that he 

has ever since passed for the founder thereof; and he 

afterwards gave £500 to keep it in repair.” Barrett 

says, “ the same plan was observed by him in rebuilding 

and restoring it to its original beauty, after being thrown 

down by lightning. The south aisle, where the mischief 

fell heaviest, seems to have been rebuilt with a some 

what more elevated arch, and in a lighter style than the 

north; a difference also is seen between the windows of 

the north and south aisles.” 

Such is the brief, but imperfect, history of a structure, 

which it is impossible to contemplate without a power 

ful impression of the omnipotence of poetical genius. 

Whether Chatterton, or a. priest in the reign of Edward 

IV. was the author of Ella, and of several other similar 

poems, the church of Redclifi'e itself, the monuments it 

contains, and the scenery that surrounds it, owe much 

of their attraction and interest to their association with 

' Mr. Britton’s description of a thunder storm, which occurred whilst he 

was busily and intently engaged in this church in 1812, is so graphic and 

sublime, that we give place to the following extract :—“ A heavy cloud ap 

peared to be suspended immediawa over the church, and discharged from 

its swollen bosom an accumulation of water, hail, lightning, thunder, and 

wind. In any situation such a storm must have been terrific; but situated 

as I was, in the midst of this church, impressed with the recollection of the 

destroyed spire; enveloped in gloom, and surrounded by knights in armour, 

monkish efligies, and other images of deceased persons; the effect was truly 

sublime and awful." . . . . . . “ The vivid lightning blazed through the long 

aisles, and illuminated every object. It glanced on the clustered columns, 

played round the brazen eagle, flashed on the supplicafing- statues: alternate 

gloom and dazzling glare pervaded the church.” 

On April 2, 1821, during a violent thunder storm, the electric fluid struck 

the north end of the tower, shattered the beam that supported one of the bells 

without injuring the bells. It then passed down the bell wire of the clock, 

and escaped on the south side of the tower, rolling up the lead from the roof, 

and dislodging near three owt. of the stone work.

10 ST. MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCIL 

these writings. The tomb of Canynge might have re 

mained the subject of solitary examination to the occa 

sional visitor, had not his name been coupled with that 

of the real or supposed author of these extraordinary 

compositions; and though the architectural beauties of 

the structure might have excited the partial and occa 

sional admiration of the professional student, or the lover 

of the arts, it is owing to the MSS. of Rowley, or to the 

materials of their fabrication, that it has become the 

object of interesting contemplation to the literary world, 

and has awakened the inquiries and exercised the talents 

of at Miller, a Bryant, a. Mathias, a Southey, a Britton, 

and others. 

The superstructure of the whole church displays dis 

tinct and different eras of architecture. The crypt un 

derneath the north transept, and the middle north porch, 

are certainly the oldest portions; the arches of the former, 

and the pilaster-columns, arches, and mouldings of the 

latter, being in strict accordance with the buildings of 

the thirteenth century. 

Of a subsequent age and style are the tower and grand 

northern porch, in both of which we recognise a later 

style of architecture; while the tracery of the ceilings, 

the niches, and numerous mouldings, are of much more 

enriched and elaborate characters than the former speci 

men. The parts were probably raised in the reign of 

Edward 111., by William Canynge, senior. 

In the finishing of the nave, choir, and transepts, we 

must look for the works of WVilliam Canynge, Jun., the 

rich merchant of Bristol, and dean of Westbury; but 

here the style is not so strictly in unison with the era.

ST. MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH. 

Still, however, we must contemplate the greater part of 

the church as the workmanship of his time. A more 

decorated species of architectural design is shown in the 

entrance door-way to the vestry, which was probably a 

chantry erected by Sir Thomas Mede ; and also in his 

monument in the eastern end of the north aisle, the 

latter of which was probably raised about the year 1486. 

William Wyrcestre has bestowed more than his usual 

care and attention upon the examination of this singu 

larly fine church; and his mensuration will be found to 

be more generally correspondent with the modern. 

The following very minute and mason-like account 

was probably communicated by Norton, the master 

mason, who is mentioned as having been consulted by 

our author: 

‘-‘ The tower of Redclyfl‘ contains a diameter of 23 by 

24 feet. Its height is 120 feet, and with the spire, as it 

now remains broken by a storm, is 200 feet high. The 

diameter, at the top of the fracture, is 16 feet, and it has 

eight panes or sides. Every stone at the beginning of 

the spire is two feet thick; but at the top of the fracture 

only four inches. The diameter of the ‘ garlonde’ [the 

parapet round the summit,] where the cross is placed, is 

eleven feet. Thickness of the walls at the foundation is 

seven feet, and five at the top of the tower.” 

“ The dimension or proportion most artificially wrought 

in free mason work of the western porch of Redcliff 

Church. Width seven feet, height nine feet. The 

square in the dome. ‘ The west dore fretted yn the 

hede with great gentise and smale, and fytted with en 

tayle, with a double moolde, costly den and wrought.’ ”


“ These four proportions in both. A champ ashlar [a 

water-table,] of ashlar-work; a cors, wyth an arch buttant 

[a flying arch]; a botterasse. A body boterasse, [a but 

tress against a wall], and a corner botterass.” 

He likewise measured the interior, with Norton, the 

master-mason. 

“The whole length of the church of St. Mary Red 

clive is 63 yards, exclusive of our Lady’s Chapel. The 

breadth is 18 yards; total 231 feet. The said chapel 13 

yards, one foot and a half, by 21 feet. 

“ The length of the first gate or north porch is seven 

yards, and the chapel continued from the gate of en 

trance is six yards more.” 

“ The height of the arched and fretted 'vault (voltae 

frettae arehuatee,) of the nave and aisles, and likewise the 

aisles of the transept from north to south, is 80 steps from 

the ground, from information given me by the plumber, 

on the 7th of September, 1480, each step containing 

eight inches at least. The length of the transept 67 

paces. The aisles are 26 paces. The chapel of the 

north porch contains in circumference 44 yards, and is 

ornamented with the statues of the kings, (cum ymagini 

bus regum operatis subtilitur in opere de freestone.)” 

“ Between each pillar and arch there is a space of 10 

feet. The transept has eight arches: every window in 

the ‘ ovyr-storye’ has five glazed divisions, and is 10 feet 

wide; and those in each aisle have three. There were 

six bells in the tower, the largest of which weighed 

7024 lbs. avoirdupois, and the smallest 1300 lbs weight. 

“The ‘sevaree’ [square space,] between every two 

windows opposite of the nave is 22 ft. by 16.”


“In the church of Redclifi'e,” says Britten, “ the 

architect has manifested both genius and science. Its 

design has some traits of novelty, and its execution is 

founded on geometrical principles. Though its orna 

ments and some of the parts are similar in many other 

churches, yet the whole is unique; and it may be justly 

called a grand and truly interesting specimen of the 

architecture of the age in which it was erected. Lofti 

ness, lightness, and variety, are its marked characteristics. 

Every part, both internally and externally, is charged 

with ornaments ;-—is enriched with sculpture and archi 

tectural embellishments.” ...... “ It may not inaptly be 

compared to a graceful and elegant female, dressed in a 

light and flowing drapery; as the latter adorns the for 

mer.” Approaching it by Redclifl'e Street, the view is 

singularly impressive and prepossessing. The richly 

decorated tower, west front of the church, unique north 

porch, and transept; with flying buttresses, pinnacles, 

and perforated parapets,—--all unite to constitute a mass 

of architecture which cannot fail to delight the artist, 

and astonish the common observer. 

The church is built on a red sandy rock or cliff, from 

which it derives its name. There are three principal 

entrances,—by a north, south, and west door; but the 

north door was evidently used as the principal entrance 

in the days of popery, being full of Gothic work, niches 

for figures of saints and kings. Here was also a confes 

sional, the poor’s charity box, and an “image of our 

lady, decorated with a fine cloth, wyth frynge to cover 

her.” Maude Easterfield, in 1491, gave this image a 

most splendid ring. Upon digging a grave here, on the


30th January, 1750, two freestone sepulchres were dis 

covered, containing the complete skeletons of two per 

sons, with their bones lying in their natural order. 

The entrance to the north porch is by a pair of hand 

some iron gates, recently placed at the foot of a flight of 

steps ascending to it from Phippen Street. Within this 

porch are some pillars of stone, which, when struck, give 

a peculiar tone; and hence they are named dumb organs. 

The entrance to the south porch is highly adorned with 

architectural dressings; a range of five niches, with 

acutely pointed and crocketed pediments, is displayed 

immediately over the central door-way ; and at the angles 

are double graduated buttresses, with sculptured canopies 

and pinnacles. We are sorry to add, however, that the 

whole of this once beautiful and ornamental workmanship 

is in a very mutilated condition, and rapidly approaching 

to decay. The west entrance is seldom, if ever, opened 

for divine service. 

Nearly over the south entrance door, on the inside, is a tablet, on 

which is a. carved sword that belonged to Sir Robert Yeamans, 

Bart, who was mayor of Bristol in 1669. 

In the south-west angle of the church is a large stone coflin, 

with a statue in demi-relief on the lid, and beneath it two words 

in old characters, which Barrett reads, “51mm; iampugton." 

This coflin was placed here in 1766, having been discovered 

under the west window of St. Sprite’s chapel, which formerly 

stood close to the church, and was demolished at that period. 

Upon first opening the cofiin, the solid parts of the body retained 

their natural position in a perfect manner; but on being touched, 

they immediately crumbled to dust. John Lamyngton is men 

tioned in Barrett’s list of vicars, as having been chaplain of this 

church in 1393.

7 z: I'- '-l-_ q 


Near this, recently discovered in lowering the walk round the 

church, is 

a massy stone coflin lid, and a fragment of one of 

smaller dimensions, both narrowing gradually from the whole 

width downwards, so as to fit the stone cofiins, of which they 

formed the cover. The cross on the smaller is plain; the other 

foliated, and round the verge is a partly-obliterated inscription, 

in Roman letters. Part of another was also dug up; but there is 

nothing uncommon or rare in the discovery of these sepulchral 

memorials. Our shadows fall on many of these symbols of the 

faith of our own and other times, traced in various forms upon 

the slabbed pavement of the aisles; indeed, (from being the most 

common species of monumental sculpture,) the variety of crosses, 

both plain and ornamented, on coflin stones and slabs remaining 

in every ecclesiastical edifice of any size and antiquity, are very 

numerous, and of every age, from the twelfth t0 the sixteenth 

century. They were not always denotations of the ecclesiastical 

order, though it is probable they were more appropriated to the 

clergy than to the civil classes of society; the most ancient, and 

those of the thirteenth century, have the cofiin-shaped form, and 

in general the cross more simply designed. 

The ancient stone Font, which lay neglected in the north-east 

aisle of the church, was removed in 1839, by order of Mr. 

Churchwarden Ringer, to its original situation against a pillar— 

in the son’rn-wnsr AIsLn,-on which is inscribed, “Except a 

man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the 

kingdom of heaven.” Near it, on a scroll, supported by an 

angel, is another inscription, which time has nearly obliterated. 

Against a pillar, to the right of the organ loft, and facing the 

south door, is a mural monument, composed of a white marble 

scroll, relieved by a grey slab. On the top is an open book; 

on the leaves are inscribed, “ Psalm lxxiii. 25. Psalm cxxxix. 

l7." and surmounted with a cross and olive branch. At the 

base is a shield, bearing the arms and crest, with the motto,


" Nunquam nisi honorificentissime"--Never, unless most honour 

ably. The inscription on the scroll is as follows :— 

To the Memory of 

SIR FRANCIS FREELING, BARONET, 

who was born in this parish, August the 25th, 1764, 

and who died at Bryanston Square, in the county of Middlesex, 

on the 10th of July, 1836. 

For more than half a century 

his life was devoted to the public service, 

in the 

GENERAL POST OFFICE, 

in which, for thirty-eight years, he discharged the arduous duties of 

SECRETARY. 

By unwearied industry 

in the employment of great talents, 

and by unblemished integrity, grounded upon 

Christian principles, 

he acquired and retained the favour of 

three successive sovereigns, 

and the approbation of the public. 

He has left a name 

which will be remembered with honour 

in his birth place, 

and which is cherished with afiection and veneration 

by his children, 

who have raised this monument. 

Sir F. FREELING, Bart, was descended from humble parents, his father 

being a confectioner, residing on Redelifl‘e Hill, opposite the western 

end of the church. He was educated at a common day school, where 

only reading, writing, and arithmetic were taught; and attained a 

knowledge of the Latin language under the gratuitous tuition of the 

Rev. Dr. Robins,* one of the canons of the Bristol Cathedral, whose 

kindness he ever acknowledged by constant tokens of gratitude ; 

justly attributing to that gentleman's benevolent assistance his qua 

lification for the discharge of the duties of the important department 

he afterwards filled at the General Post Office. He was apprenticed. 

at the Bristol Post Oflice,where his talents and probity soon attracted 

attention; and on the establishment of the new system of mail 

* Master of Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, attached to Redclifl'e 

Church.

s'r. MARY REDCLIFFE cmmcn. l7 

coaches by Mr. Palmer, in 1786, Mr. F. was strongly recommended 

as his assistant, to carry his improvements into effect. Mr. F. was 

accordingly introduced into the General Post Office in 1787, where 

he filled the office of Surveyor, principal and resident Surveyor, joint 

Secretary, (with the late Anthony Tod, Esq.) and sole Secretary for 

nearly half a century. 

His unwearied assiduity and unremitting attention to the duties of his 

office procured for him the unbounded confidence and warm personal 

friendship of every one of the noble individuals, without distinction 

of party, who presided over the Post Office throughout his career. 

He was much distinguished by his excellent master, George III., and 

the title he enjoyed was bestowed on him unsolicited by George IV., 

from whom he received other flattering testimonials of approbation. 

The patent of his baronetcy is dated March 11, 1828. 

The visitor being now introduced to the nave of the 

church, looking east, has his attention directed to the 

whole-roof, which is artificially vaulted with stone, and 

richly adorned with tracery: the wall between the large 

arches and the upper tier of clerestory windows being 

covered with panelling and pilasters. The pillars which 

support the roof are very lofty, and inimitably wrought 

into the most delicate mouldings. In length the whole 

church, with the Lady Chapel,‘ is two hundred and 

thirty-nine feet; and from north to south of the great 

cross aisles is one hundred and seventeen feet:-—-the 

height of the middle aisle is fifty-four, and of the north 

and south aisles twenty-five feet. 

The magical effect of the interior, its beautiful uni 

formity, its harmonious combination of the various parts, 

is well calculated to produce a high and solemn feeling 

of mysterious awe upon the soul of the spectator; while 

‘ There is a door-way leading to the Lady Chapel from the south-east aisle. 

B


the clustered pillars, the mullioned windows, the panelled 

walls, and, crowning and adorning the whole, the groined' 

vaulted ceiling, profusely enriched with intertwining 

moulded ribs, foliated tracery, and finely sculptured 

bosses, at once attest the skill of the architect, and the 

extraordinary capabilites of the Gothic order, when 

unostentatious piety, with unsparing hand, devotes its 

worldly treasures to aid its full development. 

The east window and also the original altar screen, 

were concealed by three large paintings by Hogarth, 

which somewhat diminished the architectural vista, and 

impaired the beauty of the original design. As will be 

seen by the Appeal, the restoration of this portion of the 

venerable fabric is amongst the contemplated improve 

ments. The present generation are beginning to estimate 

and appreciate the exalted beauties of the Gothic style ; 

and the disposition evinced to remove the paintings, 

marks a return to that purity of taste which so distin 

guished ecclesiastical architecture at the era when this 

building was completed. The subject of the painting 

by Hogarth, represented in the centre, is The Ascension 

of Christ, the other two represent The Three Marys at 

the Sepulchre, and The High Priest and Servants Sealing 

the Tomb. They were put up in the year 1766, and the 

artist was paid for his labour 500 guineas, the whole 

having cost, with the alterations, &c., £761 : 0 : 1. In 

the work he was assisted by Simmons, who painted the 

altar-piece of the Annunciation, in All Saints’ Church. 

Immediately over the communion table is a picture re 

presenting .lesus restoring Jarius’s Daughter to life, by 

H. Tresham, R. A., and presented, in 1792, to the

sr. MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH. l9 

church by the painter’s uncle, Sir Clifton Wintringham, 

Bart. Pending the alterations, and previously to their 

final removal, the pictures have been advanced forty-six 

feet, to allow of the necessary alterations progressing 

behind, without interfering with the services of the 

church. 

Before walking up the nave, take a view of a most 

beautiful Gothic Screen to the organ gallery, which was 

previously an attempt at classic architecture, peculiarly 

unfitted to this beautiful Gothic church. The alteration 

was suggested by Mr. W. Ringer, whilst churchwarden 

of the parish, in 1839; under whose superintendence 

and good taste it was effected, at a cost of about £200, 

the greatest part of which was raised by private sub 

scription. 

Proceeding up the middle aisle, in the centre of the 

transept, near the pulpit, is a large brazen eagle, formerly 

used as a reading desk; the gift of Mr. James Wathen, 

of this parish, pin maker. 

We will now inspect the transepts and north and south 

aisles, ere we pass into the chancel and the Lady’s chapel. 

Attached to a column in the south transept is a flat slab, with 

a long inscription, which commemorates Sir William Penn, 

father of the illustrious founder of Pennsylvania, and one of the ~ 

Society of Friends. He lies immediately beneath, and since the 

tomb-stone closed over the cofiined clay, in the silence and still 

ness of its last earthly home, his remains have been undisturbed 

until recently, when another of the family was added to the mor 

tality within. The column itself is adorned with banners and 

with armour. These may be appropriate emblems on the grave 

of the warrior; but here they appear to be misplaced; as they

20 six MARY rumours]; cnuncn. 

seem to profane the temple, which is 

the God of peace. 

dedicated to the service of 

Sir WILLIAM PENN, Knt., father of William Penn the Quaker, who 

was the founder and legislator of Pennsylvania, is described in his 

monument as being a native of Bristol; but Wood says (Ath. Ox. 

1050) that he was born at Mynety, in Wiltshire, where his father 

and grandfather were wealthy inhabitants. His early inclinations 

led him to adopt a maritime life. He was made captain at twenty 

one; rear admiral of Ireland, at twenty-three; vice admiral of 

Ireland, at twenty-five; admiral to the Straits, at twenty-nine; vice 

admiral of England, at thirty-one; 

war, at thirty-two. 

nd general in the first Dutch 

Returning in 1655, he was chosen representativa: 

in parliament for Weymouth; and in 1660, was made commissioner 

of the admiralty and navy, governor of the port and town of Kinsale, 

vice admiral of Munster, and a member of that provincial council. 

In 1664, he was chosen great captain commander under the Duke of 

York, and distinguished himself in an engagement against the Dutch 

fleet; after which he took leave of the sea; but continued in his 

other employments till 1669 ; when, in consequence of bodily infir 

mities, (contracted through anxiety and fatigue of public afi'airs) he 

withdrew, and with a gentle and even gale, in much peace, arrived 

and anchored in his last and best port at Wanstead, in the county of 

Essex, September 16th, 1670, in the forty-ninth year of his age. His 

remains were removed to Bristol in the latter end of September, 

where they lay in state in the Guildhall till October 3rd; from 

whence they were conveyed to Redclifie Church, guarded on either 

side of the way by the trained band. 

In this transept was formerly the chauntry of Saint Catharine, 

founded by William Canynges, in the year 1465, as appears 

from a deed in Latin, dated 6th Edward IV. George Weare 

Braikenridge, Esq., has in his possession a very curious docu 

ment, being the rental of Canynges’ two chantries in this church, 

dated the next ensuing year after his death, 1473. Besides these 

chantries were altars dedicated to Saint Blaize, Saint Nicholas, 

and Saint George, with their attendant priests, whose ofice was

s1". MARY REDCLIFFE cannon. 21 

to ofi'er orisons for the dead and living by name. William 

Canynges was buried at the altar of Saint Catharine, beneath 

the centre window of the transept; the eli‘igies of himself, in his 

magisterial robes, and his wife, dressed after the costume of the 

times, recline upon an altar-tomb of stone, raised upon the spot, 

surmounted by a large flat canopy. 

'1 s i .11. V . . '.\ \ 

This was placed here by Canynges in 1466, when his wife died, 

as a memorial of her and himself. Under the canopy, at the 

back of the tomb, is the following inscription setting forth his 

riches, and enumerating the names with the burdens of his 

ships, concluding with an epitaph recording his virtues. 

“WILLM CANNING, y‘ richest merchant of y- town of Bristow, after“ 

wards chosen 5 times Mayor of y' said towne, for the good of the Common 

wealth of the same: he was in order of priesthood 7 years, and afterwards

8T. MARY REDCLIFPE CHURCH. 

Dean of Westbury, and died the 7th Nov. 1474; which said William did 

build, within the said town of Westbury, a college (with his canons,) and the 

said William did maintain by space of 8 years, 800 handycraftsmen, besides 

carpenters and masons, every day 100 men. Besides, King Edward the IVth 

had of the said William, 3000 marks for his Peace to be had in 2470 tons of 

shipping. 

“These are the names of the shipping and their bnrthensz—The Mary 

Canynges, 400 tons; The Mary and John, 900; The Katharine, 140; The 

Little Nicholas, 140; The Katharine of Boston, 220; The Mary Radclifl‘, 

600; The Galliot, 500; Mary Batt, 220; The Margaret, 200; A Ship in 

Ireland, 100. 

“ No age, no time, can wear out well-woon fame, 

The stones themselves a statly work doth shew, 

From senseless grave we ground may meus good name, 

And noble minds by ventrous deeds we know. 

A lanterns cleer setts forth a candele light, 

A worthy act declares a worthy Wight; 

The buildings rare, that here you may behold, 

To shrine his bones deserves a tombe of gold. 

The famous fabrickc which he here hath donne, 

Shines in its sphere as glorious as the sonne; 

What needs more words, the future world he sought, 

And set the pomp and pride of this at nought. 

Heaven was his aim, let heaven be still his station, 

That leaves such work for others imitation.” 

This was probably placed here, upon traditional authority, 

after the dilapidations committed upon the edifice during the 

civil wars. The verses are much in the style of Thomas 

Churchyard, a very popular poet, and known composer of epi 

taphs in the reign of Elizabeth. 

There is also, at the southern extremity of the transept, an 

other plain altar-tomb of peculiar interest, supporting the recum 

bent figure of a priest in sacerdotal robes, with a large scrip, or 

pocket, attached to the left side. An angel is placed at his 

head, and a dog, with a large bone in his paws, at his feet. 

There is no inscription upon it, to mark decidedly the person 

to whose memory this monument has been erected. Mr. Cole 

states it to be a third tomb of William Canynges; tradition, 

however, assigns it to his purse-bearer or treasurer. 

7, “MA


The adjoining altar-tomb, on which lies the effigy of a man 

in priest’s robes, is commonly ascribed to William Canynges, as 

Dean of Westbury. The head is shaven, and the countenance 

is extraordinary for its expression, as of one who “did rigid vigils 

keep," with strict penance and mortification; the nose is long 

and aquiline, the cheek bones high, with very thin cheeks, and 

the chin narrow and projecting. The hands are raised in the 

act of devotion, telling to generation after generation, who come 

and gaze, retire and pass away, of the Christian's faith and hope, 

of that heaven to which while he prayed, he died. 

There is, how 

ever, no resemblance between this head and that on the other tomb, 

while the extraordinary character of the countenance unques 

tionably indicates it to have been a portrait. At the feet of this 

effigy is the small, but remarkable, figure of an old man, appa 

rently in great bodily agony, embodying a metaphysical idea of 

putting 08' the old man, from his having abandoned his lay 

character. This monument Canynges is said to have procured, 

according to a practice then not unusual, to be placed in the 

chapel of the College at Westbury, as a daily incitement to his 

piety. An inscription in Latin, on a loose board, is sometimes 

attached to this tomb. This inscription assigns the tomb to 

Canynges, but as it is sometimes attached to the monument last 

described, as well as to this, it cannot be considered of any 

authority. 

Dallaway says, that when the College at Westbury was 

burned down by Prince Rupert, in 

1643, this monument was 

saved, and removed here. But this is incorrect; that it was 

here previously to 1610 is evident from Holland’s Translation 

of Camden's Britannia, printed in that year; which states that 

in Redclifl'e Church Canynges had “ two faire monuments, upon 

the one lieth his image portraied in an Alderman's robe; upon 

the other his image likewise, in sacerdotal habit, for that in his 

old age he took the orders of priesthood."


Not far from the monument of Mr. Canynges is the following 

inscription, in old characters, on a flat stone :—“ Hic jacet 

Willims Coke . . . . . . . . Willims Canynges mercatore villaa 

Bristoll . . . . . . . . propicietur Deus. Amen.” A large knife 

and skimmer are engraved on this slime; by which it would 

appear that he was Canynges’ cook. These however cannot be 

taken as authority, being evidently the production of some un 

practised hand of more recent date. 

Not far from this is a flat stone, with a cross upon it, having a 

rim of brass running round its edges, and these inscriptions :— 

“Hic jaoet Johes Blecker, seu pandoxator, cujus fiie propicietur Deus. 

Amen.” 

“Hicjaeent Ricardus Coke et 'I‘ibota fix ejus, . . . . . . . —picietur. Deus." 

John Blecker is supposed to have been one of Canynges' 

servants. The term “ pandoxator" is translated brewer. 

Aflixed to a column nearly opposite the tomb of Canynges and 

his lady is a neat monument, with a long Latin inscription, to 

the memory of Maria, the wife of William Barrett, F. S. A. and 

author of “ The History and Antiquities of Bristol." 

Mr. Baaas'r'r was a man of some learning, and of considerable research. 

He appears to have devoted the leisure of twenty years of his life to 

the collecting of materials for his History of Bristol ; and every 

facility seems to have been afl‘orded to his inquiries, both by public 

bodies and by individuals. The mass of materials which he collected 

appears immense, and highly valuable; but he was evidently incom 

petent to the task of selecting, arranging, and discriminating the 

wheat from the chaff; and hence the numerous fictions of Chattertou. 

Many of the papers which Mr. Barrett had collected were left to Mr. 

Gapper; those relating to Chatterton were disposed of to the Rev. 

Mr. Kerric'k, of Cambridge, for Dr. Glynn, and Were afterwards 

deposited in the British Museum. The late Sir John Smyth, of Long 

Ashton, purchased some MSS. at the sale of Mr. Barrett’s effects. 

The oldest date on the slabbed pavement in this transept, yet 

nnobliterated by passing feet and the slow and silent decay of 

many years, is 1596. Its tale has long been told, and is now

sr. MARY REDCLIFFE cannon. 25 

left for another generation to replace, till those for whom the 

stony vault was first prepared, shall have neither sign nor 

evidence to mark their final home. Of the thousands past, that 

here sleep in the damp vaults' dayless gloom—of the generations 

which have vanished from the face of the earth, and in their 

most desolate privilege of state, sought even in death distinction 

from their fellow men—what have we left? their tombs are 

nameless sepulchres,—remorseless years have obliterated their 

inscriptions, and their crumbling dilapidated surface defies the 

scrutiny of man, who would seek to pierce through the silent 

mysteries of buried years. 

In the east aisle of the south transept is a boss, on which are 

the figures of a sow with young pigs; a very strange and unusual 

device, to say the least of it; and it is difiicult to account for its 

being there, except we attribute it to the licentiousness of the 

workmen. In the centre of the transept is another boss, represent 

ing our Saviour as bleeding on the cross. 

Against the piers of this transept, are three hatchments with 

the royal arms, and a fourth belonging to the Chetwode family, 

with the motto, “ Corona me a Christus." Christ is my Crown. 

The clerestory windows also, from the peculiar elegance of their 

design, should not be overlooked, being surrounded by a band 

of quatrefoiled lights, many on the east side containing some 

beautifully stained glass. 

The visitor will now cross to the north transept, where is the 

Baptismal Font now in use. It is of white marble, beautifully 

constructed, wrought, and polished: the floor on which it is 

placed is elevated, paved also with marble, and enclosed with 

mahogany rails. The font was purchased in 1755 for £171. 

The beautiful gates of wrought iron, at the entrance of this 

transept, will attract attention by the chasteness and beauty of 

the design, in which is introduced the arms of the city, appro 

priately emblazoned. 

'


Under the window in this transept is a Knight Templar, 

carved in freestone, lying on a plain altar tomb, in a coat of mail, 

with a shield on his left side, and a sword in his right hand, 

probably designed for Robert de Berkeley, Lord of Bedminster 

and Redclifl‘e, and a benefactor to this church. 

Near this is a handsome mural monument, erected by sub 

scription in 1835, with the following inscription on a marble 

tablet 2—— 

Sacred \ 

To the Memory of 

NATHANIEL BRIDGES, D. D. 

Vicar of Willoughby' and Hatton, 

and for 28 years 

Iecturer of this Parish. 

He died the 17th July, 1834, 

aged 86 years. 

In him were combined 

Those estimable qualities 

which 

Render social intercourse delightful 

and make public ministrations a blessing. 

Gospel simplicity, deep uniform piety, 

unremitting zeal 

for the spiritual interest of the people, 

and unbounded benevolence, 

were his distinguishing characteristics. 

Firmly attached 

to the Establish Church of England, 

he yet rose superior to party prejudices, 

and loved all who loved his Master. 

In him the church of Christ 

has lost a faithful, laborious, 

and successful minister. 

Marble will moulder, monuments decay, 

Time sweeps memorials from the earth away; 

But lasting records are of BRIDGES given, 

The date eternity, the archives heaven. 

There living tablets, with his worth engraved, 

Stand forth for ever in the souls he saved. 

‘ Dr. Bridges was presented to the living of Willoughby in 1792, by 

Magdalen College, Oxford, in which college he graduated M. A. in 1778; 

B. D. in 1780; and D. D. in 1784. At Ilatton he succeeded, we believe, Dr. 

Samuel Parr.

sr. MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH. 24 u 

In one of the windows of the north transept are some 

fragments of ancient stained glass, which appear coeval 

with the church. On one piece six women in a boat are 

represented, possibly alluding to a particular event con 

nected with the church. There are also some diagrams, 

arms, and letters,which probably mark certain benefactors 

who contributed towards finishing the fabric. Figures 

of the virgin and child, with crowns on their heads, are 

comparatively perfect. 

There were also in other windows, painted glass of 

the arms of England, of Harrington, Hungerford, 

Canynges, Cradock, Berkeley, Mede, Sturton, Dyrick, 

Says, Graunt, Montague, Cheyney, Fulk, Fitzwarren, 

Sir I. Inyn, Rivers, &c. 

In the north-east angle of the transept are deposited the 

remains of Mrs. FORTUNE LITTLE, widow of Mr. John Little, 

of this parish. She died June 28, 1777 ; aged 57. To whose 

memory the following beautiful lines are inscribed, on a neat 

marble slab, from the pen of the celebrated Mrs. H. More. 

0h ! could this verse her bright example spread, 

And teach the living while it prais’d the dead ; 

Then, reader ! should it speak her hope divine, 

Not to record her faith, but strengthen thine ; 

Then should her every virtue stand confess’d, 

’Till every virtue kindled in thy breast. 

But if thou slight the monitory strain, 

And she has lived, to thee at least in vain, 

Yet let her death an awful lesson give : 

The dying Christian speaks to all that live. 

Enough for her that here her ashes rest, 

"l‘ill God’s own plaudit shall her worth attest.

28 ST. MARY REDCLIFFE onuacn. 

In the north-west angle 

of the north aisle, against a 

pillar, there is placed what is 

traditionally called a rib of 

the noted Dun Cow, slain 

by Guy, earl of Warwick; 

but it is more likely to be 

the rib of a whale, or of 

some other monstrous fish. 

The beauty of the lancet 

arch above is particularly 

noticeable—See Wood Cut_ 

Over the north porch is 

a large hexagonal room,‘ 

known formerly as the Trea 

sury House, in which were 

kept all the archives belong 

ing to the church; and in 

which still remain the fragments of nine chests, of various 

shapes and sizes, from which the manuscripts attributed 

to Rowley are said to have been taken by Chatterton’s 

father. The ascent to it is by a stone staircase, half way 

up which is an apartment, inhabited perhaps originally 

by the keeper of the porch. Externally and internally 

this porch consists of two principal tiers or stories, each 

dissimilar to the other, and each adorned with niches, 

canopies, crockets, pediments, &c. 

" This is the room in which Chatterton asserted that he found, in an old 

chest, supposed to have been placed there by William Canynges soon after 

the building was finished, those valuable MSS. of Rowley and others, Written 

in the fifteenth century, which he transcribed and published.


One of these chests in particular was said to be called 

Mr. Canynges’ cmji'ef and secured by six keys, two of 

which were entrusted to the minister and procurator of 

the church, two to the mayor, and one to each of the 

churchwardens. In process of time the six keys appear 

to have been lost; and about the year 1727, a notion 

prevailed that some title-deeds, and other writings of 

value, were contained in Mr. Canynges’ cofi‘er. In con 

sequence of this opinion, an order of vestry was made 

that the chest should be opened under the inspection of 

an attorney, and that those writings which appeared of 

consequence should be removed to the south porch of 

the church. The locks were therefore forced, and not 

only the principal chest, but the others, which were also 

supposed to contain writings, were also broken open. 

The deeds relating to the church were removed, and the 

other manuscripts left exposed, as of no value. Con 

siderable depredations were committed upon them by 

different persons; but the most insatiate of the plunderers 

was the father of Chatterton. His uncle, being sexton 

of St. Mary Redcliife, gave him free access to the church. 

He carried off, from time to time, parcels of the parch 

ment, which were deposited in a cupboard in the school, 

and employed for the covering of copy-books and other 

purposes. At his death his widow carried the remainder 

to her own habitation. For an account of the discovery 

of their value, as related by Chatterton, we refer the 

' When rents were received and kept in specie, it was usual for corporate 

bodies to keep the writings and rents of estates left for particular purposes, 

in chests appropriated to each particular benefactor, and called by the bene 

factor’s name. Several old chests of this kind are still existing in the 

University of Cambridge.

30 51‘. MARY anncmrrn CHURCH. 

reader to Messrs. Southey and Cottle’s edition of ‘ The 

Works of T. Chatterton.’ 

Passing into the north aisle, or St. Stephen’s chapel, 

we observe the restoration of the east and adjoining 

window has been completed; and that in a style of execu 

tion fully equal to the former window, though the pro 

duction of the most brilliant architectural era the annals 

of our country can advance. We lack not the ability to 

produce works equal to the proudest achievements of the 

past, but we want the means, the spirit, the devotion, 

the self-sacrificial zeal of an age when man’s labour was 

not spared, and his treasures were poured forth in raising 

magnificent fabrics in honour of the God he worshipped 

and adored. 

At the eastern end of the north aisle is a very handsome 

monument, consisting of an altar-tomb, surmounted by a richly 

ornamented canopy. Recumbent on the former are efiigies of 

the deceased and his wife, with their heads resting on cushions, 

and having two figures of angels supporting the pillow. The 

plinth of the tomb, as well as the back and sides, is covered with 

panelling and tracery. Immediately over the tomb are five 

crocketed canopies, with pinnacles, &c., and the whole is sur 

mounted with a richly-sculptured frieze and parapet. From 

the imperfect inscription which still remains, it appears that this 

monument is dedicated to the memory of THOMAS MEDE, who 

was sheriff in 1452, and subsequently three times mayor of 

Bristol. He had a country seat at Nayland, then called 

Mede's Place, in the parish of Wraxall, and county of Somerset. 

Attached to the former monument, and of the same style and 

character, is another to the memory of PHILIP Mann, the 

brother of Tnomas MEDE, whose monument has just been 

described. There is no efiigy, but on a very singular brass, fixed

s'r. MARY REDCLIFFE cnuncn. 31 

to the back of the tomb, is a man and two women, with the fol 

lowing inscription on labels :— 

In English thus :— 

“ S" trinitas un’ d' miserere nobis, 

Pater de ccelis deus miserere nobis." 

“ Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy upon us, 

Oh God, Father of heaven, have mercy upon us.” 

Philip Mede appears to have been several times mayor of Bristol, 

and to have represented the city in two parliaments, held at 

Coventry and Westminster, in the thirty-eighth year of the reign 

of Henry the Sixth. His will is dated Jan. llth, 1471, and 

directs his body to be buried at the altar of St. Stephen, in 

Redclifi'e Church. 

The Rev. THOMAS BROUGHTON was buried in the north aisle 

of this church, in December, 1774. He was born in London, 

July, 1704. Bishop Sherlock presented him with the living 

and prehendship of Bedminster and Redclifi'e. He was one of 

the original writers in the “Biographia Britannica," the author 

of a musical drama, entitled, “ Hercules," and the complier of a 

“Dictionary of all Religions." The following is the inscription 

on a neat marble tablet :— 

Sacred to the Memory of 

The Rev. THOMAS BROUGHTON, D. D. 

Rector of St. ANDREw’s, Human, and grandson of 

Henry Broughton, Esq. 

of Willisham, in the County qultfl‘olk , 

Prebendary of the CATHEDRAL CHURCH of Salisbury, 

Rector of Stiping'ton, in the County of Herts, 

And Vicar of Bedminster, with the chapelries of Mary Redcliffe, 

St. Thomas and Abbot’s Leigh annexed. 

He was born in the Parish of St. Andrew, Holborn, in the year 1703; 

and married ANNE, the daughter of the Rev. Thomas Harris, 

of this City, by whom he had six children. 

He was a profound and elegant scholar, 

and successfully applied his talents to the support of the 

Protestant Establishment, 

of which he was an able and faithful minister. 

He died QIst December, in the year 1774, 

aged Tl.

32 an MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH. 

The floor of the chancel is laid with black and white 

marble, and you approach the altar by steps of the same 

material. The altar and chancel were repaired in 1757. 

On the floor, to the south, is a large black marble stone, 

with brass curiously laid in and engraved, with the figures of 

a man and woman, with six sons underneath the man, and 

eight daughters under the woman; on the stone are brass 

shields, with monograms and arms, and the following inscrip 

tion :—“ Hic jacent JOHES JAY quondam vicecomes istius 

villas. et Johanna ux. eg. q. quidem Johes obiit—die—mens— 

A0 D“ m,cccc,lxxx, quor, aiahs pprop, de Amé." 

Which may be thus rendered :—“ Here lie John Jay, formerly 

Sherifi' of that Town, and Johanna his wife, which said John 

died on the day of the month of , in the year 

of our Lord 1480; on the souls of whom may God have mercy. 

Amen." 

Joan JAY was sherifi‘ of Bristol, and a merchant of eminence. 

wife was sister to William Wyrcestre, the historian. 

His 

Parallel to this on the north side, is a slab, in which is inserted 

a brass, with an engraved representation of a man and woman, 

and another in the form of a shield: there were three others, as 

is evident from the blank places whence they were torn. The 

memorial is of John Brook, one of the Judges of Assize in the 

reign of Henry VIII., and runs thus :-—“Hic jacet corpus vene 

rabilis viri Johis Brook, qnondam servientis ad legem illus trissimi 

principis felicis memorize regis. Henrici octavi et justiciari 

ejusdem regis ad assisas in partibus occidentalibus Anglias, et 

capitalis seneschalli illius honorabilis domus et monasterii Beatae 

Mariae de Glasconia in com. Somcet. qui quidem Johis obiit 

25 die mens. Decembn's, Anno Dom. millesimo, quingantesimo 

xxii., et juxta cam requiescit. Johanna uxor ejus una filiarum et 

haeredum Ricardi Amerike, quorum animabus propitietur Deus. 

Amen.”


In English :-—“ Here lies the body of that worthy gentleman, 

JOHN BROOK, formerly Serjeant at Law to that most famous 

Prince of happy memory, King Henry the Eighth, and Judge 

of Assize to the said King, in the West of England, and chief 

Seneschal of that honourable house and Monastery of the 

Blessed Mary, of Glastonbury, in the County of Somerset; 

which said John departed this life on the 25th day of the month 

of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand five hundred 

and twenty-two; and beside him rests Johanna his wife, one of 

the daughters and heirs of Richard Amerike; on whose souls 

may God have mercy. Amen." 

The effect of the chancel, as now seen behind the 

pictures, is very singular, and suggestive of many swell 

ing thoughts. We look at the great east window, it is 

unadorned with its wonted painted glass; we look at the 

altar-screen beneath, on which the light of day again 

falls, and behold the injuries and disgraces it has received. 

There seem the faith of bygone centuries, breathing from 

the friable stones, whose certain decay and dissolution, the 

awakened intelligence and piety of the day would fain 

arrest. There is a dreary mournfulness in the scene,which 

fastens on the mind, and is in unison with the time-worn 

mouldering fragments at our feet, and with our thoughts, 

as we trace the destiny of our race, on the storied pave 

ment, or on the graven brass, that still bears upon its 

surface the names of those who obtained the world’s 

regard, long ages back. 

The design of the original altar-screen, to which we 

will first direct the visitor’s attention, though sadly 

mutilated, is sufliciently apparent for restoral ; it is 

divided into seven arched compartments, of three lights, 

0


with a screen in each spandril, making fourteen; on 

some of which, are dimly discernible, the arms of some 

of the principal benefactors of the church. The design 

of the screen is seen to better advantage from St. Mary’s 

Chapel, but on this side the yellow wash has been allowed 

so to accumulate, as to render the shields perfectly bald. 

At the east end of the church, partitioned by the altar 

screen, is the chapel of the Virgin Mary; it would 

appear, that a communication formerly existed from the 

chancel to this chapel, by means of an archway in the 

centre of the screen. The chapel has been much dis 

figured by the introduction of doors, the closing of 

windows, &c. On the sill of one of the windows, is a 

clumsy figure of Queen Elizabeth, coarsely carved in 

wood. When Saint John’s Chapel was taken down, in 

1766, the Grammar School granted by this Queen, and 

held in that building, was removed here. 

In this Chapel is a large stone, with a brass plate inlaid in 

the centre, bearing an engraved figure of the deceased in his 

judge's robes. On a slip of brass round the margin is this 

inscription:—“Hic jacet JOHANNES INYN MILES capitalis 

justiciarius Domini regis ad placita caram ipso rege tenenda, 

qui obiit 24 die Marcii, Anno Domini Milesimo c.c.c.c. xxxix. 

cujus animae propitietur Deus. Amen." 

In English 2—“ Here lies JOHN INYN MILES, Knight, Chief 

Justice of the Common Pleas of our Lord the King; who died 

on the 24th day of March, in the year of our Lord 1439; on 

whose soul may God have mercy. Amen.” 

There are no particulars known of this judge except what is above 

mentioned. Barrett says he had a country seat at Bishopworth, 

near Filwood; since then used as a farm house.


Under the north end of the great cross aisle, is a large 

room, at the east end of which was a fire-place. The 

number of rooms in this building which bear indications 

of having been inhabited, were probably assigned to 

chantry priests, poor scholars, and other members of the 

church. The will of Belinus Nansmoen, dated March 

20th, 1416, provides for many poor scholars, and cho 

risters, and for several chaplains, attached to the church, 

which renders the supposition not improbable that the 

apartment above alluded to was a common dining room, 

there being formerly a communication to it out of the 

north aisle of the church, where a door and stone stair 

case are stopped up, by which there was a descent into 

the room. It has long since been converted into a place 

of burial, and is now known as the crypt. 

Although the church had been liberally endowed, at 

different times, with large estates for the support of the 

fabric and the divine offices celebrated therein, yet so 

dishonestly were its affairs administered during the 

Commonwealth, and its revenues wasted, that it was 

found impossible, at the Restoration, wholly to repair 

the mischief which had been committed. Neither did 

the structure itself escape the ravages of the over-righte 

ous and senseless fanatics of those days; many of its 

ornaments, and all the lofty pinnacles, which added so 

much to its external beauty, were torn down, and have 

not since been rebuilt. Within, brass plates were stolen 

from the monuments, and their decorations mutilated 

and destroyed; the organ was broken down, and the 

bibles, prayer books, books of homilies, cushions, cas 

socks, and all the moveable furniture of the church,


were accumulated together, and a bonfire made of the 

heap, amidst the rejoicings and acclamatious of the popu 

lace. After doing all the injury their excited minds 

could conceive, they paraded the streets with streamers 

torn from the surplices, using the organ pipes for trum 

pets, as they marched triumphantly along. 

In the year 1709, the church underwent repair by 

means of a brief for £5,000; the chamber of the city 

contributing £200. In 1762 the bells were re-cast, and 

subsequent to that period two more bells have been added 

to the number. In 1796 the church was again repaired, 

and the pinnacles on the south side rebuilt. As lately 

as April 2, 1821, during a tremendous storm at midnight, 

the electric fluid struck the north end of the tower, and 

entering the upper bell- loft window, forced out the stones 

in different directions, and making a large aperture, so 

shattered the beam which supported one of the bells, as 

to render it useless. It then passed down the bell wire, 

and escaped on the south side of the tower; rolling up 

the lead from the roof, and dislodging nearly three hun 

dred weight of stone. The pieces of wire which were 

found, had all the appearance of having been subject to 

an intense heat. 

The following, being a list of stage furniture)“ neces~ 

sary for the exhibition of what was then termed a 

" Walpole in his Miscellanies, dated 1778, says that Vertue, the engraver, 

transcribed it from some old parchments in St. Mary Radcliffe twenty years 

ago; and adds, “ That was the origin of Chatterton’s list of great painters, 

and probably of his other inventions, Can it be supposed that Vertue should 

have seen that old bill, and with his inquisitive and diligent turn not have 

inquired whether there was nothing more 7"


Mysterie, extracted from a book belonging to the church 

of St. Mary Redclifl'e, and communicated to the Society 

of Antiquaries, is not a little curious.—“ Memorandum: 

That Master Canynge hath delivered, the 4th day of 

July, in the year of our Lord 1470, to Mr. Nicholas 

Bettes, Vicar of Radcliffe; Moses Courteryn, Philip 

Bartholomew, and John Brown, procurators of Ratclifi'e, 

heforesaid,— 

A new sepulchre well guilt, and cover thereto, an image of 

God Almighty rysing out of the same sepulchre, with all the 

ordinance that longeth thereto; that is to say, a lath made of 

tymbre and iron work that longeth thereto. 

Item, thereto longeth heven made of timbre and stained 

clothes. 

Item. Helle, made of timbre and iron work, with devills, 

the number thirteen. 

Item. Four knyghtes, armed, keeping the sepulchre, wyth 

their wepons in their hands, that is to say, two speers, two axes, 

with two paves. 

Item. Four pair of angels wings for four angels, made of 

timbre, and well paynted. 

Item. The fadre, the crown, and vysage, the ball wyth a 

crosse upon it, well guilt with fyne gold. 

Item. The Holy Ghost coming out of heven into the 

sepulchre. 

Item. Longing to the four angels four chevelers [heads of 

hair or wigs]."


Barrett gives the following as the list of chaplains, 

vicars, &c. :— 

1207 William—,chaplainofRedclifi' 

Richard de Newbry, vicar 

1276 John de Rung, clericus 

1290 Jerrard de 'l‘yllett 

1307 Robt. de Mershton, chaplain 

1338 William de Jatton 

1342 Ralph de Clive 

1356 William of Wykeham, had the 

prebend of Bedminster cum 

Redclifi' 

1374 John French 

1381 William Draper 

1389 Henry dc Nethenene 

1391 Nicholas Grill 

1393 John Lamynton, chaplain 

Thomas Godefellow, do. 

1399 John Bush, do. 

1410 William Dudlesburg 

1429 Joannes Phrcas or Freas 

1434 John Bath 

1438 William Peircy or Perry 

1446 Nicholas Pittes 

1460 William Sey 

1464 Chetworth 

1473 William Chock, younger bro 

ther of Sir Richard Chock, of 

Ashton 

1496 Roger Saundey 

1508 Edward Powell, D. D. V. See 

Wood's Ath. Ox. vol. i. p. 46. 

1534 Henry Williams, presented to 

it by Cardinal Campeius, 2nd 

Edwardthe Sixth. SeeWood, 

vol. i. p. 681. 

1550 Thomas Norton 

1555 John Blackstone 

1559 Arthur Saule 

1579 Meredith Hamner 

1585 Samuel Davis 

1628 Thomas Palmer 

1636 Giles Thornborough 

1637 John Game 

1639 William Noble. 

1639 Matthew Hazard. 

1660 Francis Horton 

1670 Humphry Brent 

1678 Richard Thompson 

1685 William Manning 

Ejeoted. 

Intended. 

1701 John Gibb. He built the vicar 

age house on Redclifi'e Hill 

1744 Thomas Broughton, the author 

of the “ Dictionary of all Re 

ligions,” folio, and many other 

works 

1778 Edmund Spry, A. M. 

SUBSEQUENTLY TO BARRETT. 

1806 Martin Richard Whish, the 

present vicar 

In the centre of the churchyard was an elegant cross, 

noticed by William Wyrcestre, at which sermons were 

formerly preached. Mr. Edgworth, Prebendary of Bristol 

Cathedral, and- a zealous opponent of Latimer in this 

city, in his preface to a volume of sermons, published in 

his old age, alludes to his having preached “ sundry ser 

mons at Redclifi' Cross, in the good and worshipful city 

of Bristo .” The cross was removed in 1763. In 1704


a remarkable tree was growing in the western part of 

the churchyard, the arms of which were supported by 

six or seven props. At this time the fence of the church 

yard was a thickset hedge, and the gate facing towards 

Bedminster, a common field gate. It was not until 1753 

that the steps and terrace west of the church were laid 

in their present form. 

This stately and beautiful Gothic structure, which from 

its elevated situation, its Cathedral style of building, 

rises to a noble height above the surrounding houses, 

after having its northern side obscured for upwards of a 

century, is now thrown open to public view, by the 

removal of those houses which the indifference of a past 

generation had permitted to be erected before it; and 

presents a pile of building so magnificent, so picturesque 

in every point of view, that it irresistibly arrests and 

commands the attention of the passenger, who contem 

plates with awe and admiration, its venerable and hoary 

grandeur. But the centuries that have passed away, 

have marked their course upon its blackened walls; and 

although we now see new beauties to admire, we have 

much also to deplore and to regret; the mutilated but 

tresses, the gaping fissures, and the crumbling stones, 

tell too sadly that decay has followed the footsteps of 

time, and unless arrested, must hasten the venerable 

fabric into ruin. Let us hope that all who feel a pride 

and a glory in this ancient edifice, will press forward to 

avert the stigma and disgrace of allowing so magnificent 

a monument of the piety and liberality of our fathers to 

crumble unheeded to the dust: let us not have to blush 

in our advanced state of refinement, that we are unable 

to preserve from destruction the noble legacy that has


been bequeathed unto this city, not for usldone, but for 

after generations. 

The city authorities, having removed the old houses, 

enclosed the ground belonging to the church with iron 

rails. They have also caused the dangerous hill to be 

levelled, and built a new street (Phippen Street,) connect 

ing Redclifl‘e with Thomas Street. Meanwhile the parish 

authorities have not been idle; they issued a very spirited 

appeal, drawn up by Messrs. Britton and Hosking, for 

the complete restoration of the tower and church to 

their pristine architectural elegance. To accomplish this 

upwards of £40,000 will be necessary. This appeal 

produced a subscription list of nearly £7,000, and the 

Committee of Restoration proceeded in their undertaking 

——by lowering the ground round the church to the depth 

of from two to four feet; which being accomplished, the 

ceremony, which was a very imposing one, of laying the 

foundation stone of the restoration in the eastern part of 

this venerable structure, took place on Tuesday, April 

21, 1846. The inscription on the stone reads thus :— 

THIS STONE 

IN 

RESTORATION 

OF ST. MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH, 

was laid on the 21st day of April, A. D. 1846, by the 

RIGHT WORSHIPFUL JOHN KERLE HABERFIELD, &quire, 

THREE TIMES MAYOR or BRISTOL, ASSISTED BY THE 

ANCIENT SOCIETY OF FREE MASONS, 

The Right Worshipful HENRY SHUTE, Esq., Provincial Grand Master, 

The Right Worshipful WILLIAM DONE BUSHELL, Esq., Deputy 

Provincial Grand Master, 

In the presence of the Clergy, Corporation, and Citizens of Bristol. 

MARTIN RICHARD Wrsrr, A. M., Vicar. 

Tnonns Pnoc'ron, Chairman of the Restoration Committee. 

JOHN WARRY Junr. 

JOHN HARE, ’ ’ } Churchwardens. 

JOHN BRI'H‘ON, F. S. A., 

Gunner: Go'nwm, F. R. S.,i Mcmmm‘


The first contract has been for some time completed, 

by which the whole extent of the faced-work of the walls 

as originally seen is now exposed to view; a complete 

system of drainage has been formed, and the ground ad 

joining the church, on the south side, widely paved. The 

oak roofs of the chancel and aisle have been renewed, and 

new leaded on a layer of asphalted felt and oak boarding. 

The east end, with its curious “ imbricated ” window, and 

one severy of the chancel on each side of it, have been 

restored stone by stone. This portion of the restoration, 

however, shows more clearly the wretched condition of 

the other parts of the building not yet touched; and 

though the funds at the disposal of the Committee have 

been expended, a Society, under the name of “ The 

Canynges Society,” has been formed, with a view to 

obtain annual subscriptions to assist them in their desir 

able works of accomplishing the complete restoration of 

the edifice; we therefore hope, that many who visit the 

church, may be induced to leave their names as Members 

with any one of the Committee, whose names are inserted 

in a subsequent page. 

In the address of “ 17w Canynges Society,” the Com 

mittee say :— 

“Let the venerated name of‘ Canynges' be the call that shall 

excite in us the spirit which stimulated him, and if we cannot 

individually effect what he did, we may each do something, and 

united together we may accomplish much. The necessity for 

the maintenance and restoration of St. Mary Redcliffe Church 

is imminent and pressing, and can only be effected by earnest 

and continuous co-operation. As a Canynges Sooz'ety, then, let 

us each emulate the other in our endeavours to obtain the


means whereby this magnificent struclure may be preserved alike 

honourable to him who founded it, as to those who, when it was 

passing away, again restored it to its pristine beauty." 

The following extracts are from the rules of the above 

Society, viz., that,— 

“ The Canynges Society consists of a President, Treasurer, 

Vice Presidents, and ordinary Members, who are subscribers of 

not less than 21s. annually, or donors of not less than £20. 

The Committee consist of the President, Vice Presidents, Trea 

surer, the Vicar and Churrhwardens of St. 

Mary Redclitl'e for 

the time being, and 25 Members, with power to add to their 

number. The President, Treasurer, and Members of Committee 

are chosen at the Annual Meeting. The Vice Presidents consist 

of those gentlemen who have filled the office of President and 

who still continue their subscription to the Society. 

“ That Ladies be invited to become Members of the Society, 

and to interest themselves in its important object. That each 

Member shall use his best endeavours to obtain subscriptions or 

donations to the funds of the Society, and shall receive a Book 

from the President to enter therein such amounts as he may 

collect; all moneys to be paid over to the Treasurer at the earliest 

convenience, and the Books returned to the President at least 14 

days previous to the Annual Meeting. 

“That the Annual Meeting shall be held on the third Tuesday 

in June, or such other day as may be hereafter agreed upon by 

the Committee, due notice being given by circular addressed to 

each Member, and by advertisement in one or more of the 

Bristol papers. That the Members shall attend Divine Service 

at Redcliife Church on that day, and subsequently dine together, 

when the Report of the Society’s proceedings, during the past 

year, shall be read, the amount collected by each Member 

announced, and the ofiicers for the ensuing year elected. 

“ That at the first Meeting of the Committee, after the Annual


Meeting, a portion of St. Mary Redclifl'e Church shall be selected 

for restoration, under the advice of the Architect, and the amount 

obtained under the past President shall be paid over to the credit 

of the Restoration Committee, with the understanding that it 

shall be applied to the part so pointed out. 

“J. K. Haberfield, Esq. has kindly accepted the office of 

President for the first year, W. H. Wyld, Esq., that of Treasurer, 

and the following gentlemen have consented to act on the Com 

mittee,—The Right Worshipful J. D. Pountney, Esq., Mayor 

of Bristol, Rev. M. R. Whish, R. J. 

P. King, James Gibbs, 

Thomas Garrard, Wm. Poole King, Wm. H. Wyld, Thomas 

Lucas, Matthew Perkins, Charles B. Hare, Wm. Powell, Richard 

Gibbs and R. C. Beddoe, Churhwardens, Charles Clarke, J. H. 

Wyld, Robert Phippen, Wm. Cooper. J. Lucas, W. H. Bayley, 

J. Gardiner, J. Hare, Thomas Proctor, J. A. Symonds, M. D., 

Esqrs. And any Ladies or Gentlemen willing to become 

Members of the Society, are requested to communicate, at an 

early period,with the President or any Member of the Committee." 

In conclusion, we advert with great pleasure to the 

fact of the authorities of the parish having generously 

and liberally made arrangements for the church being 

thrown open to the public from Ten o’clock in the 

morning till Five in the evening, without any fee to the 

attendant. Thus enabling all those who appreciate this 

noble specimen of architectural beauty, to visit and 

admire it as long and as frequently as they please, and 

at the same time setting a good example to others who 

have the care of similiar buildings.

' 

; BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 

O? 

CANYNGES AND CHATTERTON. 

\VILLIAM CANYNGES, the subject of our present memoir, was 

only five years old at the early death of his father; but the 

fostering care of his mother's second husband amply supplied 

that loss. His genius and education were directed by him to 

mercantile pursuits; and he had experience of whatever might 

insure to him the good fortune of his future life, in the opportu 

nities of learning the modes of commerce, in one of the most 

extensive and opulent establishments in Bristol subsisting at 

that period. That he soon discovered most valuable talents in 

such pursuits cannot be doubted. The effects in such regular 

movements usually follow the cause; and there was an early 

promise of his great success. 

N0 document ascertains his progress before the years 1432, 

when he was bailiff; 1438, sheriff; and 1441, when he was 

elected mayor. All that can be advanced with certainty must 

be from irrefragable docutnents, as far as he was concerned with 

his fellow burgesses, as their municipal magistrate and their 

representative in parliament. 

The first-noticed honour he enjoyed five times; one less than 

his grandfather had done. He was first returned to parliament 

in 1451, and subsequently in 1455. 

Highly as this distinction is now valued, it was then considered 

as an onus, not only by the borough, but by the individual 

elected, in those simple times. The representatives of Bristol 

had daily wages, and an allowance given for their journeys. 

Canynges having arrived at his fortieth year, there is satisfac 

tory evidence that he had exceeded his contemporary merchants 

in-influence and wealth. Chaucer, in his prologue to the Can 

terbury Pilgrimage, had preconceived his exact portrait :— 

" are hanrtbp man tuI incl his in“ besettz 

as“ Matt an might that be has in Betta.

nmom or CANYNGES. 45 

go atzhzfastlp not: be his gubernann, 

was his bargains, anti tutti] his cbtbt'sauntz.‘ 

~470tsuttjz I): was a tnnttfjg man lm'tljallmL 

After the lapse of four centuries, the private worth and public 

services of this estimable man still command a place in our 

grateful memories; while the researches of antiquaries have 

penetrated through the dark shadow of the wings of time, and 

gathered from documentary evidence much that is locally in 

teresting, connected with his private history. 

It appears that Canynges married early in life: but the sur 

name of his wife is not known. She died about 1460, when the 

monument with efligies was placed in Redclifi'e Church by her 

husband, as a memorial of her and of himself. Their children 

were William and John, both of whom deceased before their 

father. No mention occurs of any daughter. \Villiam married 

Isabel or Elizabeth, daughter and heir of John Vowel, Esq. of 

\Vells. She had a large jointure from her inherited property, 

and from the settlement and bequest of her father-in-law, having 

remarried John Depeden, Esq., of Bristol, by whom she left no 

issue. By her first husband she had two sons, Thomas and 

William, and one daughter, Agnes. Of Thomas we have dis 

covered no farther than that he was of age in 1484, if not earlier, 

when he sold “ Canynges' Place.” This alienation was disputed 

in Chancery, by William Spencer, the executor, and the chantry 

priests of Redcliffe, but confirmed. No mention is made of this 

elder son in William Canynges’ will, and most probably because 

he inherited the estate of his mother, at Wells. The other son 

William, and the daughter Agnes, both died minors; a fact cer 

tainly known by the lapse of the Bristol property, which had 

been devised to them and their heirs into the hands of William 

Spencer the mayor, the corporation, and the chantry priests of 

.Redclide. John, the other son of W. Canynges, left a widow, 

but no children. Both these widows were endowed in his 

will. 

Thus we may attribute to a probable and rational cause, the 

resolution which he took of abandoning the cares of a busy 

mercantile life, of which the chief consolation and support had 

failed him, by the premature death of his two sons. 

From his earliest youth he was deeply imbued with religious 

' The word “ chevisaimce” means any contract for mop-pf]. 

t In modern English 2—“ This worthy man applied his ants beneficiall , 

so that no man could say that he was indebted to him, so honourany did e 

conduct his mercantile affairs, in all his bargains and transactions of money.”

46 MEMOIR 01-" 

feeling, and was a faithful and zealous follower of the Church of 

Rome, which was then prevalent in this country. His friend 

and confessor from his earliest days, was John Carpenter, born 

at VVestbury-upon-Trym, and who eventually became bishop of 

Worcester; and these impressions were fostered by him. He 

it was who probably suggested the rebuilding of Redclifle 

Church upon so grand a scale, for he was a known patron of 

ecclesiastical architecture. He rebuilt the college of Westbury 

upon-Trym. , 

In 1467 Canynges gave to repair the tenements, then dilapi 

dated, which belonged to two chantries in Redclifie Church, 

heretofore founded by Everard Le Fraunceys; and to found 

another, to be called “\V. Canynges’ Priest,” the sum of £340, 

by a deed in Mr. Cumberland’s collection; and not £500, as 

misstated. In the next year he obtained from King Edward IV. 

a patent to establish two priests, for a daily mass before the 

altar of St. George, with a salary of nine marks, and a cham 

ber for each. He had previously erected a building to receive 

all these near the churchyard. \Vyrcestre speaks of this edifice 

as having bay windows, probably on the plan of those built for 

the vicars choral of Wells, by Bishop Beckington, about the 

same time. 

In I468, having completed his original intention, he resolved 

to dedicate the remnant of his days to the service of God and 

the church. He was ordained accolyte Sept. 19, 1467; deacon 

and priest. April 16, [468; and was then appointed the first dean 

of the Benedictine College of Westbury, then newly modelled 

by his friend. In this retreat he passed the last six years of his 

life. 

Canynges’ will bears date November 12, 1473, at VVestbury, 

and he died the next year, aged conjecturally seventy-four years. 

His funeral was conducted to his place of sepulture in Redclifle 

Church, accompanied by a large concourse of ecclesiastics, par 

ticularly of the mendicant orders, within the town, to whom he 

had bequeathed legacies of an amount very unusual in those 

da s. 

}In the house occupied by Mr. Jefi‘eries, Bookseller, Redclifl'e 

Street, is a large room, traditionally known as “ Canynges' 

Chapel ," now appropriated to the extensive business there carried 

on. Its principal feature of interest remaining, is a wooden roof 

of a high pitch, with curved bracing ribs, springing from corbel 

heads of angels bearing shields, meeting under the middle of the 

tie beam, and forming an obtuse arch, ornamented with foliations 

of open carving, with the spandrels filled with pierced panel 

t- ,m- l

CHATTERTON. 47 

work or tracery, as was the character, at the period to which this 

roof may be assigned, in the reign of Henry VI. 

On the floor of the room behind, is an unusually perfect 

specimen of what are frequently called encaustic tiles, with in 

scriptions and shields of arms upon them. Few are found 

belonging to a period earlier than the middle of the thirteenth 

century; these appear, similar to the earliest tiles, to have the 

pattern stamped in the red clay, and that pattern filled up with 

white clay; differing from those of the vestry room in the Mayor's 

Chapel, which are enamelled with patterns of several colours, 

and are attributed to the latter part of the fifteenth century. 

The use of paving tiles ceased at the Reformation. 

The design of these is uniform, and deserve a more minute 

description than the limits of this work will admit. Those who 

feel interested in the study of these relics, can have an opportunity 

of examining them more carefully, the pavement being left un 

covered by Mr. J efferies for their inspection and gratification. 

The pavement was only partially discovered twenty years since, 

by accidentally removing the floor; since which Mr. Jefl'eries 

has uncovered the whole. 

THOMAS CHATTERTON was the posthumous son of Thomas 

and Sarah Chatterton, and was born in a house on Redclifl'e 

Hill, (immediately behind No. 50) November 20th, 1762. His 

father was, in the early part of his life, a writing master in a 

classical school; he afterwards became subchaunter of the cathe 

dral of Bristol, which office he held, together with that of master 

of Pyle Street School, till his death, which took place in August, 

1752. His father was succeeded in the management of Pyle 

Street School by Mr. Love, to whose care, at five years' old, 

Chatterth was committed; but such was his apparent dulness 

and want of capacity, that he was sent back to his mother with 

the character of a stupid boy, and one who was absolutely inca 

pable of receiving instruction. 

He was admitted into Colston School in August, 1760; and 

on the lst of July, 1767, he left it, and was bound apprentice to 

Mr. J. Lambert, attorney, of Bristol, for seven years, to learn 

the art of a scrivener. 

In the beginning of October, 1768, the new bridge at Bristol 

was finished; at that time there appeared in Farlcy’s Brislol 

Journal an account of the ceremonies on opening the old 

bridge, introduced by a letter to the printer, intimating that 

“ The following description of the Friars first passing over the

48 MEMOIR or 

old bridge was taken from an ancient manuscript," and signed 

“ Dunhelmus Bristoliensis." The paper, if it be allowed to be a 

fabrication of modern times, demonstrates strong powers of in 

vention, and an uncommon knowledge of ancient customs. So 

singular a memoir could not fail to excite curiosity, and many 

persons became anxious to see the original. The printer, Mr. 

Farley, could give no account of it, nor of the person who 

brought the copy; but after much inquiry, it was discovered 

that the manuscript was brought by a youth between fifteen and 

sixteen years of age, of the name of Thomas Chatterton. 

A circumstantial account of the discovery of these manuscripts, 

found in a room over the north porch of St. Mary Redcliffe 

Church, is preserved in Mr. Bryant’s Observations on Rowley's 

Poems. Considerable depredations had, from time to time, 

been committed upon them, by different persons; but the most 

insatiate of these plunderers was the father of Chatterton. His 

uncle, being sexton of St. Mary Radcliffe, gave him free access 

to the church. He carried off, from time to time, parcels of the 

parchments; and one time alone, with the assistance of his boys, 

is known to have filled a large basket with them. Of the dis 

covery of their value by the younger Chatterton, the account of 

Mr. Smith, a very intimate acquaintance, which he gave to Dr. 

Glynn, of Cambridge, is too interesting to be omitted. “ When 

young Chatterton was first articled to Mr. Lambert, he used 

frequently to come home to his mother by way of a short visit. 

There, one day, his eye was caught by one of these parchments, 

which had been converted into a thread-paper. He found not 

only the writing to be very old, the characters very different 

from common characters, but that the subject therein treated 

was different from common subjects. Upon inquiry, he was led 

to a full discovery of all the parchments which remained; the 

bulk of them consisted of poetical and other compositions, by 

Mr. Canynges, anda particular friend of his, Thomas Rowley, 

whom Chatterton at first called a monk, and afterwards a secular 

priest of the fifteenth century. Such, at least, appears to be the 

account which Chatterton thought proper to give, and which he 

wished to be believed." 

Upon being infortned of the manner in which his father had 

procured the parchments, he went himself to the place, and 

picked up four more, which, if Mrs. Chatterton rightly remem 

ers, Mr. Barrett had at that time in his possession. 

The eventful history of the munitnent room, as associated with 

the writings of the unfortunate Chatterton, has already been 

given in the preceding pages of this book. The room forms


an irregular octagon, admitting light through narrow unglazed 

apertures, upon the broken and scattered fragments of the 

famous Rowleian chests, that with the rubble and dust of 

centuries cover the floor. In melancholy cadence the cannying 

wind creeps through the unprotected openings, and spreads its 

plaintive murmuring wail over the wreck of years. It is here 

creative fancy pictures forth the sad image of the spirit of the 

spot, the ardent boy, flushed and fed by hope, musing on the 

brilliant deception he had conceived, whose daring attempt has 

left his name unto the intellectual world as a marvel and a 

mystery. Here in the full but fragile enjoyment of his brief 

and illusory existence, be stored the treasure-house of his 

memory with the thoughts that, teeming over his pages, have 

enrolled his name amongst the great in the land of poetry and 

song. Happy then, ere his first and joyous aspirations were 

repressed, ere the warm and genial emotions of his heart 

were checked, before time had dissipated his idle dreams, and 

neglect, contempt, and distress, had fastened on his mind, and 

hurried him onward to his untoward destiny. Then as the daily 

chimes poured from the lofty tower their soul-subduing melody, 

and recalled his thoughts that roamed far, far away, to a distant 

age, with long hidden tales of romance, and chivalry, and antique 

minstrelsy, to the ties of affection that formed a portion of his 

better nature; to the domestic hearth, where his heart’s social, 

kindliest feelings were enshrined ;—little did he then deem that 

the hour would come, when in the utter desolation of his soul, 

apart from all human sympathy, alone, in his deep interminable 

pride, his disappointed ambition would render him reckless of 

all worldly hopes, and unmindful of all heavenly commands. 

Little did he deem that the native energy of his genius would 

combat in vain the tide of difficulties which flowed against him; 

that penury and want, the misery of human days, which made 

his mortal life a wearying disease, would poison the springs of 

his existence; that in the dearth of his crushed feelings, friend 

less, hopeless, fearless, he would dare break the frail bonds of - 

fleeting life, and rush unsummoned before the throne of the 

Almighty! 

Chatterton's attention, at Bristol, was not confined to Rowley; 

his pen was exercised in a variety of pieces, chiefly satirical, 

and several essays, both in prose and verse, which he sent 

to the magazines. Dunhelmus Bristoliensis was the signa 

ture he generally employed. In the course of the year 1769, 

he was a considerable contributor to the Town and Country 

Magazine. 

D

5O 

MEMOIR or 

Among the efforts which he made to extricate himself from his 

irksome situation, the most remarkable is his application to the 

Hon. Horace \Valpole, in March, 1769; the ground of which 

was an offer to furnish him with some accounts of a series of great 

painters, who had flourished at Bristol, which Chatterton said 

had been lately discovered, with some old poems, in that city. 

Mr. Walpole answered Chatterton's letter, desiring further in 

formation; and in reply was informed that “he (Chatterton) 

was the son of a poor widow, who supported him with great 

difficulty; that he was apprenticed to an attorney, but had a taste 

for more elegant studies." Mr. Walpole, though convinced of 

the author‘s intention to impose upon him, could not, as he 

himself confesses, help admiring the spirit of poetry which ani 

mated these compositions. The testimonies of his approbation, 

however, were too cold to produce in Chatterton any thing but 

lasting disgust. 

Those who have sullied the youth of Chatterton with the im 

putation of extraordinary irregularities, and have aserted that 

“his profligacy was, at least, as conspicuous as his abilities," 

have, it is conceived, rather grounded these assertions on the 

apparently profane and immoral tendency of some of his pro 

ductions, than on personal knowledge of a correct review of his 

conduct. During his residence in Bristol, we have the most 

respectable evidence in favour of the regularity of his conduct, 

namely, that of his master, Mr. Lambert. Of few young men 

in his situation it can be said, that during a course of nearly 

three years, he seldom encroached upon the strict limits which 

were assigned him, with respect to his hours of liberty; that his 

master could never accuse him of improper behaviour; and that 

he had the utmost reason to be satisfied he never spent his hours 

of leisure in any but respectable compan . 

“Of Mrs. Angel, with whom he last resided, no inquiries 

have afforded any satisfactory intelligence; but there can belittle 

doubt that his death was preceded by extreme indigence. Mr. 

Gross, an apothecary in Brook Street, informed Mr. Warton, 

that while Chatterton lived in the neighbourhood, he frequently 

called at the shop, and was repeatedly pressed by Mr. Cross to 

dine or sup with him in vain. One evening, however, human 

frailty so far prevailed over his dignity, as to tempt him to par 

take of the regale of a barrel of oysters, when he was observed to 

eat most voraciously. Mrs. Wolfe, a barber’s wife, within a. few 

doors of the house where Mrs. Angel lived, has also afforded 

ample testimony, both to his poverty and his pride. She says, 

that Mrs. Angel told her, after his death, that on the 24th of


August, as she knew he had not eaten any thing for two or three 

days, she begged he would take some dinner with her; but he 

was offended at her expressions, which seemed to hint he was in 

want, and assured her he was not hungry. In these desperate 

circumstances, his mind reverted to what (we learn from Mr. 

Thistlewaite, and other quarters) he had accustomed himself to 

regard as a last resource. ‘ Over his death, for the sake of the 

world,’ says the author of Love and Madness, ‘ I would willingly 

draw a veil. But this must not be. They who are in a condi 

tion to patronise merit, and they who feel a consciousness of 

merit which is not patronised, may form their own resolutions 

from the catastrophe of his tale—those, to lose no opportunity of 

befriending genius—~these, to seize every op ortunity of be 

friending themselves, and, upon no account, to arbour the most 

distant idea of quitting the world, however it may be unworthy 

of them, lest despondency should at last deceive them into so 

unpardonable a step.’ Chatterton, as ap ears by the Coroner’s 

Inquest, swallowed arsenic in water, on e 24th August, 1770, 

and died in consequence thereof the next day. He was buried 

in a shell, in the burying ground of Shoe Lane workhouse.”

The COMPILER has inserted here a copy of the eloquent appeal, 

issued by the Vestry of St. Mary Redcli e, in 1842, for 

raising Subscriptions to restore their magnificent church; 

he has much pleasure in giving it all the publicity in his 

power, and most cordially wishes it every success. 

Tn); VICAR, Cnnncnwannsns, and Vns'rrtv of the Parish of 

St. Mary Redclifl'e, having resolved upon a public and extended 

appeal on behalf of the venerable and once-splendid fabric en 

trusted to their care, prepared and circulated, in July last, an 

address briefly stating the circumstances which appeared to them 

to justify such appeal. That address explained the preliminary 

steps which the parish authorities had adopted, and especially 

their selection of Mr. Bar'rron to advise respecting the decayed 

state of their church, and the best mode of restoring it to its 

pristine integrity and beauty, with their reasons for such selec 

tion. The result of their communication with that gentleman 

was his calling to his aid Mr. Hosxme, Professor of Architec 

ture and of the arts of construction, at King’s College, London, 

whom the vestry, at Mr. Bnrr'ron's request, have associated 

with him in the commission. 

These gentlemen having carefully and fully surveyed the 

church, presented to the parish authorities luminous and detailed 

reports, on all the matters referred to them, accompanied by 

plans and drawings illustrative of their views. In the conclusion 

of their preliminary address, the parish authorities stated that 

the reports were thought too copious for printing on that occa~ 

sion; but that in a subsequent appeal, an analysis should be given, 

to embrace their more leading and prominent parts, and illustrated 

by copies of some of the drawings. It is in fulfilment of this 

intention, and of the pledge contained in their former paper, 

that the vicar, churchwardens, and vestry, now present this more 

extended address, in the hope and belief that the public will 

feel as well satisfied as the parish authorities in their preliminary 

address stated themselves to be; that the able and eminent archi 

tects alluded to, have, in their consideration of the matters 

referred to them, “been governed by views not less honourable 

to their reputation for taste and science, than for sound and

1N APPEAL TO RESTORE ST. MARY REDCLIFFE. 

practical knowledge; and that could the views of those gentlemen 

be carried out, our city would possess a parochial church, and 

the west of England a national monument, of unequalled beauty, 

and one to be visited and admired by multitudes of strangers of 

our own and of foreign nations." 

In their reports on the present state and contemplated repairs 

and restoration of the church of St. Mary Redclifl‘e, Messrs. 

Bruno»: and Hosxme commence by drawing the attention 01 

the parish authorities to the injuries sustained by the fabric, from 

the long-continued access of damp and moisture, both in the 

superstructure and foundation walls,—produced, as to theformer, 

by the insufiicient means for carrying ofi‘ the rain and snow,— 

and, as to the latter, by the want of drainage; both which 

deficiencies they principally ascribe to the original arrangement 

for the discharge of water from the roofs, and want of drainage 

round the fabric. To the former of these defects, they attribute, 

in a great degree, the injury to, if not destruction of, the external 

faces of the masons’ work upon the walls and buttresses. They 

have, in much detail, set out the nature, extent, and causes of 

the mischief; and, in a subsequent part of their report, have 

suggested, with like detail, the extensive and efficient measures 

recommended for remedying the evils alluded to, and for pre 

venting their future recurrence. 

They describe the Roqf Covering as, throughout, in a very 

defective state, though heavy expence is annually incurred in 

repairing it; and they suggest its entire re-arrangement and 

re-construction, upon the principles described in their reports. 

They have also ascertained and have very accurately described, 

an original defect existing in the great Tower, evinced in a bulg 

ing outwards of the external faces of that part of the structure, 

and produced by an inequality of strength and resisting power 

between the finely-wrought and closely-jointed masonry of the 

faces, and the rubble backing which constitutes the main bulk of 

the walls; and they state that, with the exception of the tower 

and the flank wall and buttresses of the south aisle of the chancel, 

all the walls and foundations, throughout, appear to be perfectly 

sound and but little injured. They attribute the settlement out 

wards of the flank wall, first noticed, to the want of proper 

drainage before alluded to, and to the too near approach of graves 

t0 the foundations of the wall in question, which are not, in 

that part of the fabric, more than four or five feet in depth; 

and they state that, by an attempt formerly made to prevent 

the flank from going further, or to hold it up, mischief has been 

occasioned to the pillars which stand between it and the chancel,

54 AN APPEAL FOR THE 

and, through those pillars, to the clerestory resting upon them. 

They express their opinion that the chancel is in an insecure 

state therefrom, and point out in very strong and clear terms 

the mischief and danger to be apprehended, unless immediate 

attention be given thereto; and they enter, at considerable detail, 

into the comparative inefficiency of the repairs which have been 

from time to time effected. 

Recurring to the Tower, they state, that the solid structure 

of this beautiful work is generally sound and trustworthy, though 

its exterior surface has almost wholly perished ; and that from 

the dilapidated state of the whole exterior, and especially of the 

enrichments previously noticed by them, the tower is unsafe 

to approach; and they therefore recommend means for excluding 

persons from passing within reach of the danger to be appre 

ended, from the constant liability of fragments of stone, of no 

mean size, to become detached, and to fall in every direction. 

They represent the masons' work of the Spire as generally 

sound, though the surface of the stone upon the exterior is 

rapidly disintegrating from the causes described in the report. 

In proceeding to advise as to the solid and substantial repair 

of the fabric, in its more important parts, and the restoration 

of the ornamental parts, Messrs. BRITTOR and Hosxme state 

that so intimate a connection exists between the parts of such a 

building as that under consideration, as to render what may 

apppar to be merely ornamental in most cases essential to the 

sta ility of the structure,—-that they feel themselves compelled 

to report on these two heads together; and they furnish very 

able and sufficient grounds for their determination; but dividing 

the subject into two parts, viz. :— 

First, the Tower and S ire; and second, the Church with 

the Lady Chapel, the Porc es, and other accessories. 

With respect to the first, it would be injustice to the architects 

to give in any other language than their own, the suggestions 

they have offered, viz. :— 

“ The Tower and Spire—This singularly beautiful composi 

tion is altogether distinct in style and date from the church, 

which has been added to it, and deserves, as it requires, to 

be considered, not as a merely provincial edifice, and far less as 

a simple parish steeple, but as a national monument, and in the 

first rank of the many noble structures of the kind in existence 

in this country. In magnitude it is exceeded by few; in destined 

altitude, the larger cathedrals alone would excel it; and in 

chaste simplicity of design, combined with elaborately beautiful, 

but subdued and appropriate, decoration, Redclifl'e Tower is sur

RESTORATION on ST. MARY REDCLIFFE. 55 

passed by none; whilst it is re-eininent in its position, on a lofty 

bank of the Avon, within t e commercial capital of the west of 

England. We have already intimated that the solid structure 

of the tower is sound and trustworthy, and that it is capable of 

being easily made to bear all that it was ever intended to carry. 

............It would appear, however, that when the church was 

built, the idea of completing the spire was abandoned, as the 

south-western buttresses of the tower were reduced in projection, 

and otherwise altered to compose with the west from of the 

church,——and the south-eastern angle was altered, throughout, 

to extend the nave of the church uninterruptedly to its western 

front. The tact and skill with which the outer, or south-western 

angle of the tower was altered, and the fine taste with which 

the turret pier, in front of the church, which composes with the 

reduced buttress of the tower, is arranged, to connect the parts of 

the composition, are most admirable; but not so the arrangement 

at the other angle, where a low, heavy arch, and an unmeaning 

blank, upon a heavier pier, obtrude themselves immediately within 

the church door; contrasting, most disadvantageoust too, with 

the composition of the arches of the aisle, and with the clerestory 

on the other side of the entrance. 

“ It may be remarked here, that, at the time Redclifl'e church 

was built, the taste which produced the original design of the 

magnificent superstructure to the tower no longer existed: spires 

were not built to Gloucester cathedral nor to Bath Abbey church, 

in the 15th century,—-as they had been at Salisbury, Norwich, 

and Litchfield, in the 13th and 14th centuries: comparatively 

small spires, on lofty towers, as at Louth and Newcastle,—or 

lanterns, as at Boston,—indicate the prevailing taste, in that 

respect, when this church was built, and the abutments of the 

spire of the original design were altered or removed. In this 

manner, the incomplete or demolished spire was left, and the 

original composition was shom of its fair proportions. 

“ In compliance with the instructions to us, to advise as to such 

alterations in the restoration of the ornamental parts of the 

fabric, both external and internal, as may seem necessary for 

reinstating it to its ancient and pristine beauty, we urge, most 

strongly, the necessity of restoring, at the same time, the perished 

surfaces of the tower, and its immediate accessories,—adapting 

it to receive the completed spire,-—and carrying on, to comple 

tion, that beautiful feature of a masterwork of architectural 

composition, which, in its truncated state, is but an unpicturesque 

deformity. Thus the original design may be both restored and 

completed, and Bristol possess a noble national monument, that


will add to the beauty of her locality and to her pre-eminence 

amongst English cities. 

“ In restoring the tower, as contradistinguished from the super 

imposed spire, it will, of course, be proper that the work should 

be set upright on all its faces; and, in doing this, it will become 

necessary to take out and reinstate the whole of the ashlaring 

of the surfaces, even when it might otherwise remain, though 

that, indeed, is of very small extent. Moreover, all the stones 

upon which the enrichments occur, must, of necessity, be drawn, 

wherever the enriched surfaces are defective; and these require 

ments together would involve the reinstatement of all the external 

surfaces of the tower. Paring old work, and pinning in patches 

of new stone, where there is not any left to pare, we consider 

altogether out of the question,—as paring would reduce the 

original proportions of the design,—and pinning-in, among the 

pared faces, pieces, in the place of stones altogether ruined, would 

not produce a restoration of the fabric to its ancient and pristine 

beauty. The absolutely necessary restoration of the faces of the 

tower, with its buttresses,-turrets, pinnacles, niches, canopies, 

pediments, windows, and their enrichments, parapets, cornices, 

and corbels, will give the means of doing all that is necessary, 

with a trifling exception, to fit the tower to receive the spire of 

its full dimensions. This exception involves an alteration within 

the church; but we shall be able to shew, that what is required 

there, can be made, not only consistent with, but most desirable 

for, the services of the interior. 

“ The existing portion of the spire is, fortunately, quite enough 

to give the means of developing the original design, whilst it 

affords demonstrative evidence that a complete spire was con 

templated by the original designer of the structure. If lines 

be drawn from points within the footings of the buttresses of the 

tower, through the base of the spire, on the summit of the 

tower, they will follow the sides of the spire, as far as it now 

exists, and meet at such a height as similar compositions of equal 

date would justify by analogy. We have drawn such lines, or 

rather we have set up the present compartment as it exists, 

and find that its thrust is within the abutments afl'orded by 

the buttresses, and that the sub-structure generally has the 

strength necessary to carry the super-structure resulting from 

carrying it up to the height indicated; which height results 

from a continuation of the same lines upwards, and is further 

jtlistified by the best existing examples of works of the same 

c ass. 

“ The decorations of the spire, as it exists, are of singular

RESTORATION OF ST. MARY REDCLIFFE. 

beauty and propriety; the ribs are exquisitely moulded; and the 

characteristic enrichment of the vertical and pointed moulding: 

of the tower below, is carried with great good taste and beautiful 

efl'ect, up into the spire : so that nothing has to be imagined in 

that respect; and we may say with confidence, that the design, 

as we present it, of the tower with the restored spire, is a true 

presentment of the original intention of the first designer. We 

may have omitted to state hitherto, however, what is most 

satisfactory to know, that in the midst of the dilapidation and 

disintegration which pervade the work, nothing in the moulded 

forms or other enrich-ments, and nothing in the form: and 

proportions generally, is entirely lost,- but specimen: remain, 

from which restorations may be made with certain truth. 

" It will be remarked, that the basement of the tower, in the 

drawing of the elevation of the west front, shews a greater depth 

of faced work than appears at present. This we consider it 

desirable to restore, to prevent the structure from losing any 

part of its apparent elevation, in raising the level of Redcliflb 

Street before the north-west entrance to the enclosure; and we 

have suggested, in the drawings, a re-arrangement of the stgps 

of approach to the church, in accordance with this view. e 

propose to alter the windows of the tower, from their present 

forms and proportions, to others, more in character with the 

design of the superstructure.” 

For the reasons detailed in the report, Messrs. Bar'r'ron and 

HOSKING recommend that attention should be first directed to 

the restoration of the tower and spire; and that the former 

should, under the circumstances, not be deferred any longer, if 

it be desired to preserve this beautiful monument from utter 

destruction. 

Speaking of “ the Church, with the Lady Chapel, the Porches, 

and other accessories,"——after the recommendations, before alluded 

to, as to what are termed the hydraulic arrangements and the ro 

posed reconstruction of the roofs,-—Messrs. Burma and os 

KING suggest a new gateway at the north-west corner of the 

church enclosure, and other arrangements consequent upon the 

recent alterations under the Bristol Improvement Act, and for 

giving more efl'ect thereby to the beautiful edifice under con 

sideration; and, after their valuable suggestions for the substantial 

repair of the fabric, in the south flank of the chancel and the 

transept, they refer to their drawings, as shewing with sufficient 

clearness the restorations they propose of the various parts of 

the exterior of the building; which restorations, they state, are 

mostly from existing authority within the building itself, and

58 n: APPEAL FOR me 

where no specimen exists of the original parts, the restorations 

are stated to be made, to the best of their judgment, from analogy. 

Repeating their difliculty of separating the substantial from the 

ornamental parts, they go on to shew that many portions com 

monly considered merely ornamental, are either absolutely neces 

sary, or highly useful, to the substantial structure; and after 

naming several instances of this sort, they add :— 

“ We do not contemplate, however, and cannot imagine that 

the necessary and useful reparations are re aired to be made 

in merely shaped blocks of stone, without (the mouldings and 

other decorations a propriate to them; and, for ourselves, had 

rather see the church a picturesque ruin, than be instrumental 

in restoring it to strength without its native beauty. \Ve propose, 

therefore. the restoration of all the decorations that ever existed 

upon the surfaces of the work, and” that with new materials, 

and not by paring and patching the old." 

They add, however, that in some few cases, the heads of the 

windows, with the tracery in them, may, perhaps, be preserved. 

The architects propose to remove the modern attachment to 

the south porch, also the lobby to the lady chapel, and likewise 

the sheds and other unsightly objects about the church and of 

the doorway and steps at the south-east side of the north porch; 

they further suggest certain provisions and restorations conse 

quent on such removals. 

fls to the Interior of the Church.——The suggestions of Messrs. 

BRITTON and Hosxmo refer to matters of which they describe 

the restoration for the most part as easy. But the most important 

restoration of the interior is that at the east end, involving the 

removal of Hogarth's pictures, and other inappropriate attach 

ments, and the reinstatement of the east and clerestory windows; 

and they hope to find that reparations only will he wanted to the 

screen, between the chancel and the lady chapel. The latter 

will want certain alterations, including a new floor. 

In the restoration of the spire will be involved some alterations, 

pointed out by them, at the west end of the church, including 

a new arrangement for the organ; and they ex ress their hope, 

that as the whole of the lead and glass must e removed from 

the windows for the restoration of the mullions and tracery, it 

may, in the principal ones at least, be reinstated with stained 

glass of an appropriate character. 

They also propose, in detail, numerous and important altera 

tions in the re-arrangement of the pews and seats, by which 

with an increased seat accommodation, and better command from 

the pulpit, reading desk, and altar, a more perfect view of the

RESTORATION or s'r. MARY REDCLIFFE. 59 

building may be obtained; whilst all the beautiful pillars shall 

be in every case insulated, that the eye may range over their 

lofty and symmetrical forms and proportions from the base to 

the summit. 

The reports of Messrs. BRITTON and Hosxnso, with their 

accompanying drawings, though (for want of more time and 

labour than t ey have yet been able to bestow,) not made with 

the fulness of detail required for actual operations, are, never 

theless, the result of admeasurements and of careful delineation 

of the most important parts; and their observations arise fiom 

close examination of the work in general and in detail, upon 

personal survey and attentive study and consideration of what 

they have observed; and their estimates subjoined are the result 

of such survey and consideration, and also upon comparison with 

the cost of other large works of analogous extent and character. 

The Tower and Spire.-—The complete reinstatement and 

restoration of the tower with its pinnacles, and all its decorations, 

in the manner, and with the stone they contemplate adopting, 

will cost about £8,200. 

The re-construction and completion of the ire, according 

to the data afforded by the existing portion thereofihnd according 

to the drawing of the west front restored, and making the requi 

site additions to the buttresses of the tower, and including the 

scaffolding and machinery necessary, will cost about £3,600. 

The Church, with the Lady Chapel, the Porches, and other 

accessories:— 

lst.——The hydraulic arrangements, including new roofs to 

the church and lady chapel, the re-arrangement of the north 

west approaches, with the earthwork, drains, &c., as recommended 

in their general report, after giving credit for old materials, will 

cost £1,850. 

2nd.-—The substantial repair and reinstatement of the interiors, 

and the repair, reinstatement, and perfect restoration of the whole 

of the exteriors of the church, lady chapel, and orches, including 

the re-working of the whole of the external ecorations in the 

stone alluded to, together with the alterations and presumed 

improvements recommended in the general report, it is estimated 

will cost nearly £21,400. 

3rd.—The re-arrangement and refitting of the interior of the 

church, as pro osed by Messrs. Barr'rou and Hosxmo, will 

cost £2,600. he whole presenting a total outlay of £37,650, 

which, with a due estimate for contingencies, in works so exten 

sive and of such comparatively novel character, cannot, in the 

judgment of the arish authorities, be safely calculated at a sum 

much less than 40,000.


It is, however, stated by the architects, that the expence 

under the second head may admit of reduction, by their finding, 

on further examination, portions of the work capable of remain 

ing, or of being re-worked and re-applied in places less exposed 

to the weather; and it is their opinion, that the part of the 

work contemplated in this section may, after precautions are 

taken to secure it, generally be distributed over any reasonable 

number of years. 

In allusion to the large sum required for effecting the object in 

all its proposed details, the parish authorities can but repeat, 

in the language of their preliminary address, that such an amount 

is only to be raised by the liberal co-operation of those, whom 

providence has blessed with the ability and the desire to aid in 

such objects as that for which this appeal is intended; and 

upon those of our own locality who have been so favoured by 

Providence, they repeat their confidence, that an appeal will 

not be made in vain for the restoration of a fabric, which, if not 

wholly the work of a Bristol merchant, is to be ascribed princi 

pally to one of that class. Their confidence is strengthened by 

the able and energetic support they have received from many 

and influential quarters, and especially from our local press, by 

one of whose editors it has been well and eloquently said, that, 

“the question for the public—for the church-going public in 

" particular—to answer, is,——shall decay he suffered to proceed 

“ until restoration shall have become impossible 7’ The amount 

“required (£40,000) for the complete repair of the fabric is 

“ certainly great, but when we recollect the large sums which 

“ have been raised for the restoration of Hereford Cathedral, and 

“ of York Minster, we cannot doubt that the nobility, gentry, 

" and wealthy commoners of Gloucestershire, Somersetshire, 

“and the neighbouring counties, will evince equal liberality in 

“ worthin upholding— 

“ ‘ The pride of Bristowe and the western land.’ 

“ Nor must the afliuent merchants of Bristol forget, that to a 

“ Bristol merchant the existence of St. Mary Redclifl‘e is princi 

“pally owing, and that, as they occupy the position, so ought 

“ they to emulate the spirit, of a Canynges. But, indeed, it is to 

“ be supposed that every Bristol man, without distinction of party 

“ or sect, will feel, on this occasion, a laudable pride in con 

“ tributing, according to his means, towards the preservation of 

“ an edifice which, for centuries, has formed the chief ornament 

“ of his native city.

RESTORATION OF ST. MARY REDCLIFFE. 61 

“ To the rich dissenter, who conscientiously objects to church 

“ rates, we would remark that no compulsory rate is about to be 

“ attempted, but that the sum required is to be raised by voluntary 

“ contribution, for the laudable purpose of preserving from decay 

" and ruin one of the finest specimens of ecclesiastical architecture 

“ to be found in England; and, we would also remind him, that 

“ he may prove, by his gift, that it is principle, and not interest, 

“which actuates his resistance to enforced rates. But not to 

“ Bristol, or the immediate neighbourhood, nor even to the sur 

“ rounding counties, will be confined the exertions necessary to 

“ preserve from ruin this magnificent gothic structure. The 

“interest felt will be of a far more expansive character. The 

" clergy generally, the nobility, the gentry, the scholar, the 

“ antiquarian, the lover and admirer of the past, the man of 

“ poetical temperament, who recognises in architectural beauty 

" poetry in one of her grandest forms,—all will come forward in 

“ order to contribute, in proportion to their revenues, to the pre 

“ servation of St. Mary Redcliti'e." 

The parish authorities, whilst they feel that they cannot, with 

propriety, divest themselves of the responsibility of carrying out, 

so far as they shall be enabled to do, the repair and restoration 

contemplated, feel sensibly that the public, from whom the means 

of accomplishment is so largely to be drawn, are entitled to every 

reasonable security for the due appropriation of the sums con 

tributed: and it is therefore the desire of the parish authorities, 

at an early period after any considerable subscription shall have 

been obtained, to convene a. meeting of the subscribers, by the 

majority of whom, subscribing not less than £10 each, six con 

tributors of not less than £50 each shall be chosen, who, with 

the members of the vestry for the time being, shall form a 

committee for carrying out such repair and restoration, and for 

controlling the moneys received, and the expenditure thereof. 

The parish authorities, in aid of the object intended, propose 

to anticipate, as far as they possibly can be advised to do, the 

revenues of the estates vested in them for the repair and support 

of the church, and by means of which, that object has been 

hitherto (however inadequately) accomplished without the parish 

having been ever burdened by a church rate, and from this 

source they will apply the sum of £2,000, to be paid, as they 

propose the individual contributions shall be paid, by five equal 

and successive yearly instalments, to meet the expenditure as it 

will probably annually progress. 

In conclusion, the vicar, churchwardens, and vestry, of St. 

Mary Redclifl'e, venture to quote and apply to their church, the

62 AN APPEAL, ETC. 

language used by the learned and Very Reverend the Dean of 

Hereford, in reference to his own cathedral, which at the present 

moment is in a dangerous state; but which is likely to be pre 

served and renovated by the united efforts of the benevolent 

friends of the church and of archaeology. “ Restoration is the 

grand object to be achieved, not mending and patching." * 

* * * * * “I earnestly intreat that restoration may 

be regarded as the one thing sought,—sound and legitimate 

restoration, for which there is sufficient authority.”* ‘ 

To the preceding appeal the parish authorities append the 

following remarks and suggestions by their senior architect, who, 

as an antiquary and author, has laboured nearly half a century 

to elucidate and illustrate the ecclesiastical architecture of Great 

Britain. 

M. R. WHISH, Vrcaa. 

THOS. PROCTOR, Cmcnwaanass. 

JOHN FARLER, 

‘ “ A Statement of the condition, 810., of the Cathedral Church of Here 

ford, by the Very Rev. John Mereweather, Dean," &c. &c. 8v0. 1842. 

a“ Since the Report from Messrs. Britton and Hosking, 

dated October, 1842, was issued, professional engagements in 

London induced Mr. Hosking to resign the duties of Architect 

to the reparation of this church; and Mr. George Godwin, F. R. S., 

F. S. A., was appointed in his place. Subsequently to ‘Mr. 

Hosking’s retirement, Mr. Britton also, from advanced age, 

thought well to resign, and the restoration has proceeded and 

will continue to proceed under the able and zealous guidance 

of Mr. Godwin alone.

REMARKS AND SUGGESTIONS BY MR. BRI'I'I‘ON. 

As stated in the preceding address, I was applied to by the parochial ofii' 

cers of Redclifl'e Church for advice respecting its repairs and restoration, in 

conse uence of having published, about thirty years ago, a history of that 

truly utiful and interesting edifice. To justify that application, as well 

as my own opinions and advice, and at the same time to secure the confidence 

and iberal co-operation of the public, in the restoration of a church which 

has been re-eminent for originality and beauty, and is susceptible of being 

again e as sound in masonry, and exquisite in architectural enrichment, 

as when left by Gan es’ architect: I trust it may not be deemed irrelevant, 

orlpseless, to make a ew remarks on matters immediately belonging to the 

so 'ect. 

en I wrote the history alluded to, I had a comparatively limited ac 

quaintance with the ancient ecclesiastical edifices of the country; and the 

series of drawings, by Mr. Wild, were not so strictly architectural as they 

ought to have been. Hence the volume is not so full and in 

its architech information as I could wish, or as I could make it now, nor 

are the engraved illustrations equal to those I subsequentl produced, in the 

“ Cathedral Antiquities.” Since that time I have criti y examined, de 

scribed, and illustrated most of the magnificent and elaborate cathedrals of 

the country; several of the finest churc es; and have likewise inves ' 

the histories and characteristics ofmany of the most distinguished buil ' 

of Europe. Thus ualified, I felt competent to afi‘ord some useful advice to 

the ves of Redcflfi‘e parish when they applied to me. Redclifi'e Church 

has now orne the rude blasts and tempests of some centuries; has sustained 

much dilapidation by the elements; and suffered also various and serious 

injuries by the neglect of some persons, and by the injudicious alterations 

and repairs of others. Hence it had become the imperious duty of its present 

guardians, to make a bold and powerful etfort, not merely to check the rapid 

Elog'ress of destruction, but to aim at a complete and efficient restoration. 

at this may be accomplished is, I trust, clearly and satisfactorily explained 

by the detailed reports presented to the vestry. 

Advanced in age, and therefore incompetent to traverse scafi'oldings, 

ascend lofty stairs, and examine roofs of buildings, I found it impossible to 

undertake the execution of the practical duties r uired, and must have 

declined the honour and atification of being pro essionolly em loyed in 

the proposed restoration ad not the parochial oflicers readily owed me 

to nominate my friend, liir. Hosxnvo, to co-operate with me in surve 'ng 

and reportinv on the church, and undertaking the constructive duties 0 the 

architect. With this assistance,—with a most zealous and united body of 

gentlemen in the vestry,—with a subject calculated to awaken and reuse to 

energy the most laudable ambition, I shall cheerfully and ardently devote 

the remainder of my life, and all my experience, to prove that the genuine 

restoration of such a church as Redcliii‘e, will be at once highly honourable 

to its oflicers, to the parishioners, to the citizens of Bristol, and to all persons 

concerned in the work; whilst it will be a las ' monument of the consum 

mate skill and taste of its original architect, an tend to put to shame many 

of the bald and flimsy buildings of modern date. 

To those persons who are not acquainted with Redclifi'e Church, it may be 

both interesting and useful to give a short account of its peculiarities, beau 

ties, and historic annals. As a parochial Christian temple it is acknowledged

64 MR. BRITTON’S 

to rank, if not the first, at least in the first class, amongst the many fine 

sacred edifices of our country. As compared with the cathedral and con 

ventual churches of En land, it surpasses most in symmetry of design,—-in 

harmony and unity of c er,—in rich and elaborate adornments,—in the 

picturesque composition of exterior forms and pam,—and in the fascinating 

combination of clustered pillars, mullioned windows, panelled walls, an 

in-ribbed ceilings of the interior. I know of no building, to compare with 

it in all these features, in Great Britain; and I feel assured, that there is 

none superior in graceful dashing and beauty of detail in all civilized Europe. 

Excepting the cathedral of S ' bury, which is nearly of one age and design 

throughout, the other cathedrals, and indeed most of the large parish and 

oonventual churches, consist of heterogeneous parts, of varied and discorth 

dates and styles. 

The accompanying views of Redclifi‘e Church, though on a small scale, 

cannot fail to impress every eye that can see, and every mind that can ap‘ 

preciate the beauties and merits of architectural dos~ , that the churn , 

now fast approaching ruin, was once, as it may again made, a splendid 

edifice; a temple eminently adapted for the soothing and sublime devotions 

of Christian worshi , and also calculated to impress eve spectator with 

wonder, delight, an admiration. Forciny and appositely as it been said. 

in the quaint language of ancient lore :— 

" Stay, curious traveller, and pass not bye 

Until this relive [elegant] pile astound thine eye,— 

Thou seen this mayslrie of a human hande, 

The pride of Brisiowe and the westerns lande.— 

Well maies! then he astounde, but view it well; 

Go not from hence, before thou see thy fill, 

And learn the builder's vertues and his name; 

Or this tall rpm in every countrye lelle, 

And will: thy tale the lazing rych man shame; 

Shows how the Glorious Canynges (lid excelle; 

How he, good man, a friend to lryngel became, 

And glorious paved at once, the way to heaven and fame." 

These singular and trul poetical lines, by an uneducated boy, embrace 

points .adnnrallly appli'ca le to.our pre‘sent tune and pprpose.. ‘ 

Although essential and substantial repairs and restoration be the main 

object in the contemplated works, these will be applied to the interior even 

more than to the exterior of the bail ' ; for if the latter may be regarded 

as the shell, the former is the kernel; ' the last he the case, the first is the 

jewel intended to be preserved. Indeed, as the inside of Redclifi'e Church 

was in its ori ' and finished state an architectural design of pre-eminent 

richness and u ,—as it was destined by its founder and architect to sur 

pass all its neighbours in originality of com 'tion and elaborate finish, so 

was it adapted to satisfy the wants and wis es of those for whose devotions 

it was intended: the resent architects, emulous to follow such example, 

ropose to render it yand completely adapted for the rites, as well as the 

bits, of its protestant occupants. In (10' this they consider it material 

to provide accommodation for the many, ra er than merel to please the 

few; they think the clergyman and his congregation should in such close 

communion, that the former may be seen, as well as heard by the latter. If 

the numerous shafled pillars tend to interfere with this communion in some 

11 60., the few sittings, so placed as to be out of view of the minister; will 

on y be rsorted to on emergencies. flu designing and disposing the altar, 

the number desk, ofand seats, the the pulpit, most the scrupurlous oven, attention and the will out, be aspaid wellby as the thearchitects 

required 

to the ancient of the Anglican church, and they confidently anticipate 

many striking an beautiful scenes and efl‘ects when the whole is completed, 

p the subordinate appendages being made to correspond and harmonise with

. 

/_ 

VIEW FROM THE SOUTHEAST, WITH THE SPIRE, AS PROPOSED TO BE REfiTORED 

pv‘uu—v 

a- __,-_-_ e_ 

0' 

_.—-_ 

~-v 

_— 

- 

,- 

‘ 

. 

. _ 

_ , ~ut 0 ~— P— - 

M.'__~"\—’?-'~w‘p~ Mfufi_—~—m-w: - ~ 3:---zfl—QQJ 

‘_.-\ "'_' ., ,'2_ 

' " M 

"hem-f” 

_J.P.LHCNP§ON:' * '“" ‘ 

~_~ 0 ‘ 7"“‘-—-I-'“. ~‘- , -Q‘fl _ - 

VIEW OF THE NAVE, Bic, LOOKING TOWARDS THE EAST, RES'I'ORED. 

lll" Ifun 

ii 

/' 

l 

| l 

a 

~‘"‘.l"‘_lllai.'vt§ti ii i 

Divested ol' pews, seats, and other furniture of a 

details of the interior otthis truly beautiful edifice. 

testant church, the above print shews the architectural character and 

f not equal in sculptured decoration to the gorgeous chapel: of Henry VIL, 

Iondon, and Kin s Coll Cambridge, it will bear comparison with those justly famed buildings, and will he found to surpass 

PM! of th: ‘eath rals an other large churches of our own and of foreig: countries in this respect- Although in miniature, this 

‘1 J Ind i 

' in wood 

‘ the finaly ItiersOver or pillars, this tncened with thewall 

arches to the aisles, and the 

panelled walls above them in the‘situation til' the triforium of the] oath 

is a series of cluutory 

windows of dimensions. and 0! fine forms and pro rtions, wi mnllious and tracery. These, itis reasonably‘inkrred, were 

originally till with stained glass, “casting a dim. 1e igious light" over the whole scene. (ionnectin , and apparently tyinns 

t ther, the twn side walls, is a groin-vaulted ceiling, profusely adorned with intertwining moulded n s, foliated tracery 

ric ly sculptured bosses spreading over the whole. In t eview presented by the engraving, the eye ran through I bepiztiful 

vista full of the most charming architectural eti'ects. lt requires but little stretch of fancy to imagine t e exquisite and indeed 

sublime appearance of the whole, were the windows tilled with pictured glass, and the ribs, bosses, and capitals of the vaulted 

ceilings, and of the shalted pillars, with gold and colours " richly ight."

' 

REMARKS AND SUGGESTIONS. 65 

the architectural disposition and character of the church. A learned and 

travelled cle an, who has devoted some years to the study of the church 

architecture 0 the middle ages, writes to me thus; “ The harmam‘ous eii‘ect 

of Redclifi'e Church must at one time have been quite unrivalled. I am not 

aware of any cathedral or parish church, either in England or abroad, that 

contains an e ual amount of rich and uniform vaulting. The bosses, more 

particularl , th in quality and quantity, s ass all that I have met with 

elsewhere. He then laments the effects of ogarth’s ictures, with their 

vulgar draperies, and the filling in of the east window an of the altar-screen 

beneath; and re robates the barbarous and lo pews, which cut up and 

destroy much of e architectural beauty of the c urch. 

Fortunately for the cause of architecture and of good taste, we are living 

in times when the enlightened higher orders of the clergy apipreciate the 

beauties of the ancient churches in which they ofiiciate; and w on not only 

deans and archdeacons, but many churchwardens, consider it to be a plea 

sure as well as a duty to render willin aid in upholding and preserving, 

whilst they really adorn, the sacred ' ces committed to their care. Hence 

the contrast between this and a former age is striking, and, at the same time, 

truly gratifying to all admirers of ancient architecture. 

SEPULCHRAL AND CBNOTAPHIAL MONUMENTS IN CHURCHES.—NO one, 

until very latel , has uestioned the propriety of placing public memorials 

within the walls of C ' tiau churches; as funeral ceremonies and local 

associations jointly conspired to int to those buildings as fitting and appro 

priate places for such testimonialls' ; but we know that these sacred spots, and 

onorary privileges, have been most wofully misused, and even disgraced, 

on too man occasions. There is scarcely a. cathedral, or other fine church 

in Englan , whose symmetry, beauty, and even stability have not been 

greatly injured/b the introduction of all sorts 0f fantastical, and even ugly 

compositions, c ed monuments; whilst the same have been as lamenta ly 

misplaced. The Abbey-church of Westminster, and that of Bath, are noto 

rious examples; the former presenting the appearance of a warehouse, or 

lumber lack of gallery, art; whilst of all thesorts, latter sizes, was, forms, till very and lately, colours, equally of soulIdisfigured tured art and 

injured. Recently, however, the guardians of Ba church, advised by their 

skilful architect, have tastefully renovated the building, and arranged its 

numerous tablets, &c., with some regard to system and propriety. In 

general, we find church monuments inserted in, and weakening the solid 

and essential walls; out into, and 'nst slender and elegant pillars; placed 

in windows, to the destruction of e aborate mullions and storied lazing; or 

otherwise disposed, without the least feeling ofrespect to the sacre character 

of thpflpllace, or to its architectural beauty and historical interest. Hence the 

gene 'ty of such works have been rendered more offensive than pleasing 

and impressive; and instead of conferring compliment and reflecting honour 

both on the dead and the living, have impeached the taste and judgment of 

* My respected friend, I. H. Markland, has lately agitated this subject in a pam— 

phlel on “English Churches and Sepulchral Memorials ;" and “the Quarterly 

Review” (Sept. 1842,) has taken up the cause, to show the impropriety, the nudevo 

tional tendency, of occu%ing the walls and areas of churches with “sepulchral me 

morials" of any kind. hilst it most justly reprobales all the vulgar and tasteless 

slabs, sculpture, and inscriptions, that have too long defaced the architectural beauties 

of Christian temples, i! also more strongly and earnestly censures the practice of 

interring bodies within their walls. This subject is entitled to the deliberate and 

candid investigation of the scholar, critic, and philosopher; for, too much enslaved 

and blinded by old habits and established customs, the general mind is unqualified to 

come to sound and impartial conclusions. We are in a state of transilicu,——enquiry 

and research have opened the long-closed door: of mystery and prejudice, and truth 

and light will inevitably burst forth and illuminate the mental hemisphere. My own 

pursuits have impelled me to read and think much on the subject, and l have long 

meditated on a novel and nearly matured plan, to preserve, display, and give full 

efficiency to monumental memorials. 

E

66 MR. narrron’s 

the latter, and rendered that ridiculous which might to have been admonitory 

and sublime. It is time this evil, this vulgar practice, were remedied; and 

the present is a most favourable opportunity to set a laudable example. In 

preserving the tombs already belonging totlle church, it is proposed to class 

and arrange them with some attention to simplicity and symmetry, and to 

adopt suc regulations for the future as may ensure a continuance of the 

system. In explaining this subject to the worthy descendants of a time 

honoured individual, whose mortal remains repose within this splendid 

Christian mausoleum, they immediately commissioned the architects to make 

such a design as would be at once appropriate to the deceased, and to the 

buildi , towards the complete restoration of which they profi'ered also 

cheerffily to contribute. 

To accommodate and afford eve degree of comfort to even larger congre— 

tious than have generally assent led within the walls of this church, we 

lave made such arrangement of the seats, as shall bring all persons more 

fully and freely within sight and hearin of the minister; and have also 

taken especial care to display the comp etc height and design of all the 

raceful clustered pillars of the edifice. Many other material, and it is 

lieved important, improvements of the interior are pointed out in the 

reports to the vestry; and in the progress of the works, it will be not only 

our duty, but our most anxious Wish and study, to render the whole building 

as perfect, as it is original and uni ue ; and then, whilst its exterior and 

interior architecture may secure the miration of the critical antique , the 

imangemcnt and fittings of the latter shall be in harmony with the bui ding, 

and fully adapted to all the comforts and accommodation of a large protestant 

congregation. 

In our report to the vestry, we have suggested the eligibility of commenc— 

ing restoration with the tower and spire; in completing which, two objects 

and ends will be attained, and rendered pable to all persons, viz., the true 

pro rtions, architectural beauties, an admirable design of the former, 

wlu t the sublime and graceful effect of the latter, will be seen both near 

and far 011'; and thus completed, they will jointly demonstrate what can be 

done with good materials and skilfu workmen, in renovating this decayed 

garb of antiquity, and giving to it a quality and power of endurance for many 

successive ages. 

HISTORICAL N0’I‘lCES.—-The church ofRedclifi'e is not cnlypopularly called 

Canynges’ work, but the topographers of the cityulso ascribe it to a rson of 

this name. Hence much error, and much confusion, have prevail . There 

were several persons named Canynges, two of whom appear to have been rich 

merchants, ma ore, and liberal benefactors to the r and to the religious 

fraternities of ristol. Barrett, Seyer, Evans, D away, and other unti— 

quarics, have failed to indentify the works and deeds of the senior and junior 

members ofthat family ; although the lastreverend gentleman has endeavoured 

to do so, and has certainly given a better and more discriminating account of 

the varieties of architecture in this church than any other writer: but he is 

occasionally very obscure and confused, not only in his “ Essa on Can 3," 

but pro-eminently so in his “ Discourses upon Architecture in England. ' It 

cannot fail to rplex any person to discover what he means by the ‘ Oratories 

in Redclifl'e hurch were built to receive perpetual Chantries :" (p. 20.) 

Scyer and Evans have not made out the true history of the edifice, nor was 

mv former assay at all successful. It would require more s ace than can be 

afforded on this occasion, to unravel the entangled thread which these authors 

have 5 un. I must confine myself to the mere consideration of the dates and 

ol2 the building, as intimated by those members or parts which are of 

dissimilar styles. 

There are four palpable varieties of Christian architecture in Redclifi'e 

Church, manifesting as many architects, and as man different times when 

they were respectively designed and erected. The mner north rch, or 

vestibule,—the tower and spire,—the outer north poroh,—the bog; of the

\ 

REMARKS AND soconsrrons. 67 

church, with the lady chapel, and the south porch,-—we feel assured were 

built successively; and it 1s generally admitted, that an older church was 

removed to give lace to the present nave and chancel, with their aisles, and 

the transept. The oldest of these members, i. e. the vestibule, is of a date 

between A. D. 1200 and 1230. “ In 1207, Lord Robert de Berkeley granted 

to Redclifi'e Church, at the request of William, the cha lain, his fountain of 

water from Huge Well, for the friars of St. John the aptist in Redolifi'e.” 

Lands were conferred on the same church, about that time, plainly showing 

that there was one then in the 'ile The tower and spire we may safely 

refer to the reign of Edward , as cor-res nding with known specimens of 

that age. According to the chronicles of ristol, Simon de Burton, who was 

mayor, in 1293, “ began to build the church of St. Mary de Redclitie, when 

John Lamyngton was cha ninz" (Evans‘s Chronological Outline.) Seyer, 

in his “ Memoirs of Bristol, ’ (vol. II. p. 77) from MS. calendar, more cautious 

and particular, says, “ It was about the year 1293 or 1294, that Simon de 

Bourton, a person of wealth and consequence, who was mayor of Bristol in 

that car, and bore the same oflice six times, built the church of St. Mary 

Redc ifi'e, where the eastern end now is.” Here we find it positively stated 

by one writer, that the church was built, and by another that it was begun 

at the above date. To us it is quite clear that no part of the resent chum 

is so early as 1294. That the eater portion of it is to be ascri ed to lVilliam 

Gang/ages, Jam, may be safe y inferred by the testimony of written docu 

ments, and the architectural features of the building. He was a religious, a 

Wealthy, and a charitable merchant; and after amassing large riches, marr - 

ing, and having two children, and becoming a widower, in 1460 or 1466, re 

retired from business and the civil and civic pursuits of life, to become priest 

of the religious house at Westbury-upon-Trym, founded by his confessor and 

early friend, John Ca nter, Bishop of Worcester. To this association, to 

the influence of the (>3.th hierarchy, and to the general fashion of the age, 

we may refer the size and style of the church, whose restoration we strenu 

ously advocate. That other persons contributed towards the same building 

there can scarcely be a doubt; indeed the armorial bearings and devices on 

many of the bosses of the ceiling, lainly shew that the Staii'ords, Berkeleys, 

Beairchamps, Montacutes, and. o ers, aided in this sacred and propitiatory 

wor . 

A critical history of the whole edifice, with biographical accounts of the 

founders and contributors, would constitute an interesting, and indeed an 

important literary memoir; for whilst it would unfold and elucidate the local 

manners, customs, pursuits, and habits, of a large and influential class of 

provincial society, it would also tend to exemplify the political, moral, and 

philoso hical state of the country, at different epochs. In the volume I 

former y published on Redclifi‘e C urch, these matters are barely alluded to; 

for my sources of information were then limited; but from the vast mass of 

historical documents since brought to lirrht and rendered accessible, and also 

from the discoveries of antiquaries, emf the investigations of authors, there 

are at the present time abundance of materials for such an essa as I have 

suggested: on this occasion I can only allude to the subject, an express a 

be e that it may be undertaken and achieved by a. competent writer. 

t may not be irrelevant to say that, at the 1present time, many and great 

renovations and improvements are making in anglish and foreign cathedral 

and other churches; particularly in those of Canterbury and York, of Colo e 

and of Antwerp, also at Stafford, Stratford-‘upon-Avon, the round churc es 

at Cambridge, and the Temple, London. The latter, now completed, is the 

most clip-ant and also the most interesting edifice of its class, and in appro 

priate ornment, in Europe. Though small and plain in des'gn, as compared 

with that of Redclifl'e, more money has lately been expende on the one in 

London than is required to make that of Bristol a perfect renovation. So 

also on the anterior only of Her the Seventh‘s Chapel, more than £42,000 

were paid for its renewal, after t e year 1809.

68 MR. Ban'roiv’s REMARKS AND SUGGESTIONS. 

Loon. PATRIMXSM is a virtue which has essentially promoted the im 

provement and importance of almost every old city and town in Great Britain. 

An Englishman’s native place and home is naturall dear to him, and when 

the pleasures and cares of life have accompanied ' to ripe old age and 

fortune has crowned his career, he meditates on the reminiscences of2 that 

home, and of the relations and friends with which it has been associated. 

Hence originated most of the noble foundations and exem lary charities 

which belong to Bristol, and to many other ‘ lish towns an cities :—hence 

the names of Colston, Cabot, Penn, Carr, itson, the Whites, the Fitz 

hardin , the Thames, and the Canynges, of the olden times,—a.nd those of 

Seyer, uthey, h‘reeling, Chatterton, and many others of the present,—-are 

intimately associated with this place by deeds of munificent benevolence, or 

by works of merit. To some 0 these men, not only is Bristol indebted for 

much of its fame and greatness, but thousands and tens of thousands of its 

natives have derived many and important benefits from their ood deeds and' 

their p0 ular influence. Their names and memories shoul , therefore, be 

constantly brought under public notice, not merely to do them just honours, 

but to reuse others to follow their praiseworthy example. Portraits of some 

of them are reserved in the Council House, and those of others should be 

procured an duly exhibited in that or in other public places. Their Immu 

menta should also be guarded with real 'ous care; and were such testimonies 

as the following repeated, of all public nefactors, it would still further pro 

mote the cause of local triotism :-—“ A Pious Meditation, b John Whitson, 

Alderman of the City 0 Bristol, with some Account of the uthor, by G. S. 

Catcott, and the Rev. John Eden, 8vo., 1829, with a Portrait and View of his 

Monument."—“Go thou and do likewise ;" or, as inscribed on the sim ly 

beautiful monument raised to commemorate “ William Canynges, who ed 

ye 7th of July, 1474 :— 

" No age nor time can wear out well-woon fame, 

The stone! themselves a natlie worke doth show, 

From senseless grave we ground may men! good name, 

And noble minds by ventrous deeds we know. 

A Lanterns clear sols forth a candcl light, 

A worthy act declares a worthy Wight. 

The buildings rare that here you may behold 

To shrine his bones, deserves a tombe of gold: 

The famous {shriek that he here hath donne, 

Shines in its sphere as glorious as the wane. 

What needs more words, the future worlds he soughte, 

And set ye pomp and pride of this at nonghle: 

Heaven was his alme, let heaven be still his station, 

That leaves such works for others imitation." 

With these apposite and pertinent lines, and with the sincere belief that 

there are many benevolent hearts as much alive to perform deeds of charity 

and goodness now, as the time-honoured Cnnynges' heart was in a former 

age, and which may prom t the livin to imitate the glorious works of the 

dead, I conclude an apps , which I ear is very inadequate to the subject, 

as it is to the feelings and wishes of 

J. BRI'I'I‘ON, 

Oc'roass 3|, lsn. 

Burton Street, London.

69 

ORIGINAL ADDRESS, 

\ 

ISSUED IN JULY, 1w, AND REFERRED TO IN THE COMMENCE 

MENT OF THE FOREGOING APPEAL. 

Tm: Vicar, Churchwardens, and Vestry of St. Mary Redclifl'e, 

having resolved 11 on a public and extended appeal on behalf 

of the venerable abric entrusted to their care, are induced to 

h0pe that they will be justified in this course by the circumstances 

connected with its present condition. 

They have been long and painfully aware, that all the pecu 

niary resources at their command applicable to the sustentation 

of their church, though applied with the utmost care and 

vigilance, have been scarcely adequate to the repair of the con 

tinual breaches and decays in the lead and stone work, where 

immediate danger had been apprehended; and they have long 

felt it vain and useless, with such inadequate means, to con 

template any thing like general or extensive repair, even of the 

more solid and substantial parts of the church, however impressed 

with the well-grounded conviction, that time and weather were 

silently, but surely, carrying on the work of destruction. Still 

less could the parish authorities dare to think of the restoration 

of their church to its architectural pristine beauty. Circumstances 

have now arisen, which, though not foreseen, are of such peculiar 

importance and character as to require them to make a great 

efl'ort on behalf of a church so venerable, so beautiful, and so 

renowned as that of St. Mary Redclifle, described by Queen 

Elizabeth, in her charter, as “ one of the most famous, abso 

lute, fairest, and goodliestlparish churches within the realm of 

England," and deemed by the ablest judges to be inferior in 

magnitude only to the noble cathedrals of Wells and Gloucester, 

whilst it is susceptible of being made truly the pride of Bristol 

and the surrounding counties. 

The circumstances alluded to were the recent general and 

deep interest excited in the study of ancient Christian architec 

ture, and, with a view of promoting that study, the establishment 

of societies in the two Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, 

in London and in Bristol; but above all, the very recent Act of 

Parliament for improving the latter city, by the salutary opera 

tions of which, the entire north front of the church, in all its

70 ORIGINAL annaass. 

beautiful and interesting details, has, for the first time for many 

centuries, been laid open to public view: but while the eye of 

taste has been gratified with this beautiful exhibition, the feelings 

have been pained to observe that it is but beauty in decay, thus 

more forcibly a peeling to the parish authorities to make the 

effort to which t ey have alluded. 

The vicar, churchwardens, and vestry, thus called on, gave 

their best consideration to the subject, and the result was, their 

determination to obtain from some gentleman of the highest 

reputation for science and practical knowledge in such subjects, 

a detailed survey and report on the state and condition of their 

church, directed to the following heads :— 

First,--The solid and substantial repair of the fabric, in all 

the more important parts of its walls, pillars, arches, buttresses, 

and roofs. 

Secondly—The restoration of its ornamental parts both ex 

ternal and internal, or of such portions thereof as with reference 

to the next head, it might be deemed proper to retain. 

Thirdly,-—Snch alterations (principally internal) as might 

seem necessary for restoring the fabric to its ancient and pristine 

beauty. 

In the selection of the gentleman in question, their attention 

was naturally drawn to Mr. BRITTON, who had thirty years ago, 

considered their church as worthy of his deep study and of the 

able efforts of his mind, in a separate publication of considerable 

extent, equally celebrated for its literary character and its accu 

rate and beautiful illustrations; and it is no small gratification to 

them to find this gentleman, after the lapse of so long a period, 

still able and anxious to devote his best efforts towards the 

accomplishment of the objects they had in view, bringing to the 

task the more matured knowledge which had been since afforded 

him, during the thirty years in question, from his investiga 

tion and ably written accounts of many of our cathedrals and 

other churches, and from his extensive reading and study, by 

which he was enabled to prepare and give repeated lectures 

on the architectural antiquities of Europe, and in the completion 

of these works and lectures, has been impelled or induced criti 

cally to examine most of the ecclesiastical edifices of our own 

country. And it was, they repeat, with heartfelt gratification, 

that the parish authorities found Mr BRITTON, with all his 

matured knowledge and increased reputation, willing to resume 

the subject of Redclifl'e church, and to apply his talents and 

knowledge towards its restoration. 

The result of this communication with Mr. Barr'ron, was his

ORIGINAL ADDRESS. 

calling to his aid the talent. of that eminent architect and civil 

engineer, Mr. \VILLIAM HOSKING, Professor of Architecture, 

&c., King's College, London; and after a minute and attentive 

examination of the church in general and in its details, upon 

personal survey and close study and consideration, these gentle 

men have now presented to the vicar, churchwardens, and vestry, 

luminous and detailed reports on all the matters referred to 

them, accompanied by plans and drawings illustrative of their 

views; and, so far as these documents have been yet considered, 

the parish authorities feel satisfied, that the gentlemen alluded 

to have been governed by views not less honourable to their 

reputation for taste and science, than for sound and practical 

knowledge, and that could the views of those gentlemen be carried 

out, our city would possess a parochial church, and the west of 

England a national monument, of unequalled beauty, and one 

to be visited and admired by multitudes of strangers of our own 

and foreign nations: but to effect this object, an expenditure ap 

proaching very nearly to the sum of forty thousand pounds must 

be encountered, and such an amount can only be raised by the 

liberal contributions of those throughout our country, whom 

providence has blessed with the ability and the desire to aid in 

such objects as that for which this appeal is intended; and, upon 

those of our own locality, who have been so favoured by Provi~ 

deuce, it is confidently felt an appeal will not be made in vain 

for the restoration of a fabric, which,—if not wholly the work 

of a Bristol merchant or merchants,—is certainly to be ascribed 

principally to one of that class. ~ 

The reports alluded to are of too great extent to be introduced 

in this appeal, but it is intended to embody in a subsequent and 

early address, such an analysis thereof as shall embrace their 

more leading and prominent parts, illustrated by copies of the 

drawings; but the vicar, churchwardens, and vestry, knowing 

the deep and anxious interest which the subject has excited in 

the city, were unwilling to delay some communication of the 

progress they had made, and in the mean time the drawings 

alluded to are left at the vestry-room in the church for inspec 

tion. 

M. R. WHISH, VICAR. 

THOS.PROCTOR, C 

JOHN FARLER, } nuacnwaansus. 

BRISTOL, July 26, 1842. 

J. Chilcott, Printer, Clare Street, Bristol.

“- —~M--Ma.-;Mm- -'

ltecmlly Published by J. Chilcott, Bristol. 

CHILCOTT’S DESCRIPTIVE HISTORY OF BRISTOL; or, 

Guide to Bristol, Clifton, 8'. the Hotwells; containing a Description 

of the Origin, Boundary, Extension, Public Buildings, the Domestic 

History, Habitations, and Manners, of ANCIENT Buls'rOL ; also a 

Description of the Public Companies, principal Institutions, Natural 

Beauties, and Topographical Curiosities of Monmm BRISTOL, Clifton, 

and the Hotwells; with Topographical Notices of the Seats, Villages, 

\Vatering Places, and other objects of Interest in the Neighbourhood; 

illustrated with Maps, Copper Plates, \Vood Cuts, &c. &c. _, Agent 

Pocket Volume, boards, 40. 6d. 

a 

' 

A NEW MAP OF BRISTOL, CLIFTON, & THE HOTWELLS; 

containing References to the Churches, Chapels, Schools, Almshouses, 

principal Hotels, and Public Buildings of the City and its Vicinity, 

ls. 6d.; or neatly done up on counts, in a case for the pocket, 28. 

STRANGERS' GUIDE TO BRISTOL, cur'roN, THE 

HOTWELLS; with a Description of the many \Valks'and Ride: in 

the Neighbourhood. With Map, Is. 6d. stitched. 

CHILCOTT'S NEW GUIDEWON 8; THE HOT WELLS; 

with Topographical Notices be e ' ages, \Vatering Places, 

and other objects of Interest in the Neigh 

Map, 'il'ood Engravings, &c. 28. 

hood; illustrated with 

A NEW MAP OF CLIFTON, corrected to 1848, a Sheet, 1.9.; or 

neatly done up on cloth, in a case for the pocket, 18" 6d. 

TINTERN AND ITS VICINITY, by IV. H. Thomas, M. R. C. 8.; 

illutraterl with numerous Wood Engravings and Diagrams. sncon'n 

EDITION, greatly improved, 2s. 6d. 

CHILCOTP’S CLEVEDON NEW GUIDE“, with Historical Notices 

of Clevedon Court, Walton Church and Castle, &c. ; also a Descrip 

tion of Coleridge’s Cottage, and of the mad} pleasant Walks and 

Rides to objects of interest in the Neighboifrh‘ood, A new EDITION, 

illustrated with Engravings, l'lmo. stitched, Is. 611. 

4;, .

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A Handbook to St Mary Redcliffe Church, J. Chilcott 1848

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