We The Curious (Bristol)

Bristol Cathedral has been a place of peace and prayer since the 12th Century. In 1148 Robert Fitzhardinge founded the Abbey of St. Augustine. The Chapter House and Abbey Gatehouse remain clearly to be seen: other remains are within Bristol Cathedral Choir School. The eastern end of the Cathedral gives Bristol Cathedral a unique place in the development of British and European Architecture. The Nave, Choir and Aisles are all the same height, creating the appearance of a large hall. Bristol Cathedral is the major example of a ‘Hall Church’ in Great Britain and one of the finest anywhere in the world. In 1539 the Abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII’s commissioners and the nave, which was then being rebuilt, was destroyed. The rather battered building then became the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity in 1542.  In 1868 plans were drawn up to rebuild the Nave to its medieval design.  The Architect, G.E.Street, found the original pillar bases, so the dimensions are much the same as those of the abbey church. J. L. Pearson added the two towers at the West End and further reordered the interior. From the Twelfth Century, it has been a place of daily prayer and a place where the city and diocese have marked great occasions.

The Bristol Theatre Royal was built during 1764–66 and now the oldest continually operating theatre in England. The Coopers’ Hall, built 1743–44, was incorporated as the theatre’s foyer during 1970–72. Together, they are designated a Grade I listed building by English Heritage. Bristol Old Vic is the theatre company based at the Theatre Royal, established in 1946 as an offshoot of the Old Vic in London.

Temple Church is a ruined church building in central Bristol, that was founded in the mid 12th century by Robert of Gloucester and the Knights Templar. Temple Church served as the site for the famous exorcism of George Lukins conducted by Methodist and Anglican clergymen. The church was bombed in World War II and largely destroyed.