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

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