Celebrating Sacred Bristol

30 July 2009

Two Catholic landmarks have joined with six other of the most fascinating places in Bristol to encourage visitors to the West Country city.  Sacred Bristol is the new free guide and map featuring Bristol’s vibrant Cathedrals and Churches.  It brings together information about some of the city’s most intriguing buildings that will fascinate visitors to Bristol. 

David Worthington, Manager of John Wesley’s famous New Room in Broadmead are of Bristol, coordinated the project.  He said: “Bristol is proud not only of its rich history and seafaring links, but also of its religious heritage.  Our city is fortunate to have a profusion of fascinating churches and places of worship for visitors to enjoy.”

Susan Jotcham, Director of St James Priory, where Mass is celebrated every Sunday, said: “It’s so appropriate that many of Bristol’s Christian communities have come together to promote our city and offer a warm welcome to visitors.  As well as being places of massive historic interest, they are places of vitality where life continues to be lived. 

“St James Priory is believed to be the oldest building in Bristol, dating back nearly 1000 years.  But Sacred Bristol is not just about old buildings.  Clifton Cathedral - only built in the 1970s - is an award-winning architectural masterpiece.  So even amongst our city’s churches; there’s something to interest everyone.”

Reverend Dr Simon Taylor, Priest in Charge at St Mary Redcliffe, said: “The wonderful buildings contained in the new free Sacred Bristol guide are just some of the remarkable locations that have helped to make Bristol a place of significant religious importance and architectural excellence.”

Andrew Phillips Bristol Cathedral’s Chapter Clerk said: “All the Cathedrals and Churches featured in Sacred Bristol are free to visit and welcome worshippers and non-worshippers alike. 

“The Sacred Bristol guide is available in most Bristol churches.  You can download it from our new website where there’s lots more information and our fantastic Bristol churches trail podcast.”

Feisal Khalif, Destination Bristol’s Marketing Manager, said: “Destination Bristol supported the production of Sacred Bristol.  The guide is a great way of reaching out to visitors to Bristol and gives them the opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere in our city’s amazing Cathedrals and Churches.

“The Sacred Bristol guide will also provide inspiration for Bristolians looking to spend their summer holidays at home this year.  Perhaps now’s the time to visit some of the Bristol gems we’ve not experienced before.” 

Sacred Bristol features St Thomas the Martyr on St Thomas Street, Bristol Cathedral on College Green, Clifton Cathedral on Pembroke Road, St John the Baptist on Broad Street, St James Priory on Whitson Street, St Mary Redcliffe on Redcliffe Way, St Paul’s on Portland Square, and The New Room and John Wesley’s Chapel on The Horsefair.