Bristol Cathedral, England

 Bristol Cathedral is the Church of England in the city of Bristol, England. Founded in 1140 it became the seat of the bishop   and cathedral of the new Diocese of Bristol in 1452.

Located   on college Green across which its architecture can be seen to advantage, the cathedral presents a harmonious view of tall Gothic window and pinnacled skyline that belies the fact that it was constructed over a period of more then 700 years. The cathedral has much of interest including unique architectural features, unusual memorials and an historic organ.

Bristol cathedral was founded in 1140 by Robert Fitzharding as St Augustine’s Abbey. As the name suggests the monastic precinct housed Augustinian canons. The original abbey church, of which only fragments remain, was constructed between 1140 and 1148 in the Romanesque style, known in England as Norman. Further stone buildings were erected on the stile between 1148 and 1164.

Under Abbot David (1216 – 1234 ) there was a new phase of building., notably the construction in around 1220 of  a chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, abutting the northern side of the choir. This building which still stands, was to become known as “Elder Lady Chapel”.

Under Abbot Edward Knowle, a major rebuilding of the Abbey church began. Between 1298 and 1332 the eastern part of the abbey church was rebuilt in the English Decorated Gothic style. Rebuilding appears to have ceased for about a hundred years, then, in the mid 15^th century, the transept and central tower were constructed.

Abbot John Newland (1481 – 1515 ) began the rebuilding of the nave, but it was incomplete at the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539. The partly built nave was demolished and the remaining eastern part of the church closed until it reopened as a cathedral the secular clergy.

Most of the medieval stonework, particularly   the Elder Lady Chapel, is made from limestone taken from quarries around Dundry and Felton with Bath stone being used in others areas. The west front has two large flanking three – stage towers. Between the towers is a deep entrance arch of six orders with Purbeck marble.

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