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

ST. MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH.
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