Time Team Man Calls for More at St James

29 January 2009

Tony Robinson, actor and TV presenter, has given his support to an appeal to help save Bristol’s oldest building - place where Mass is still celebrated every Sunday.

Tony, who is most famous for playing Baldrick in Blackadder and more recently enthusiastically presenting Channel 4’s archaeological programme Time Team, said the 12th Century church was one of the city’s most important treasures.

He joins Grand Designs presenter and designer Kevin McCloud as a fellow high-profile personality that has backed St James’ cause.

St James Priory, located in the heart of Bristol between the Horsefair and the Bus Station in Bristol’s city centre, is a 12th Century, Grade-1 listed church and remains one of the most important examples of Norman architecture in the country.

Plans have recently been submitted to Bristol City Council to help return part of the building to the heart of the community by providing modern facilities and meeting rooms and a café with piazza.

A £3.2million Heritage Lottery Fund grant, which was awarded at the end of last year, will restore the main building but it is dependent on the extra money being raised by the appeal.

Tony, who has close links with Bristol and an honorary degree from the city university, said: “So often with buildings such as St James it’s not until it is lost to history that we realise their importance and value.

“St James was integral to making Bristol the modern city it is now as the monks were also organised merchants who contributed to the commercial and cultural wealth of the region.

“Research has shown us they were pivotal in the running of the original Horse Fair, which became the main trading centre for Bristol and now houses Broadmead and the new bustling centre of Cabot Circus.

“I can’t help but think it would be sad if in years to come a future version of Time Team was to discover the remnants of this architectural beauty and find it had been left to ruin.

“I am therefore very pleased to see plans being put forward to restore St James back to the heart of the community and I wish the Appeal the best of luck in their endeavours.”

Martin Appleby, Chairman of the Trustees for St James, said: “It is wonderful to have Mr Robinson lend his voice to our Appeal, which has already raised more than £800,000.

“It is through the support of the community and influence of people such as Mr Robinson and Mr McCloud that I believe we will be successful in rejuvenating this incredible building and returning it to the cultural and social centre of Bristol.”

The BBC has also focussed on the Priory - the proceeds of a collection at BBC Radio Bristol’s popular Christmas celebration hosted by Clifton Cathedral helped raise vital funds.

More about the Priory in our podcast series.