In the middle of Bristol’s city centre sits an ‘incredible’ medieval building that until now has been closed off from the general public. But today, Lord Mayor’s Chapel is officially opening up to the public for the first time since 1541.
The Grade I-listed building was sold off by Henry VIII at the time of the dissolution but it has recently been taken back into the care of Bristol Cathedral. Originally named St Mark’s Church, it is the only remaining building from the hospital of St Mark’s, founded in 1220. It became known as the Lord Mayor’s Chapel in the eighteenth century when the city’s lord mayor used it as his official place of worship.
Visitors will be able to admire the chapel’s ornate fan-vaulted ceiling, stained-glass windows and detailed Spanish tiled floor. The building sits at the bottom of Park Street.
The Very Rev Mandy Ford, the dean of Bristol, said: ‘We are delighted to be playing our part in preserving and sharing this beautiful chapel for the benefit of the whole city of Bristol. We look forward to welcoming visitors, pilgrims, tourists and worshippers to enjoy this special place.’
Fancy a look around? The Lord Mayor’s Chapel reopens today (Friday, June 30) and can be visited from 10.30am to 4pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are £3 for adults, £2 for NHS and armed forces, and £1 per child under 16.
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