Bristol Cathedral has regained ownership of a medieval chapel located in the heart of Bristol, which had been sold off by Henry VIII during the dissolution of the monasteries. Known as the Lord Mayor’s chapel, this hidden gem is adorned with a fan-vaulted ceiling and an intricate Spanish tiled floor. Frances Rosewell, the visitor experience director at the cathedral, describes it as an incredible medieval building. The chapel, situated near Park Street and surrounded by cafes, takeaways, and shops, is separated from the cathedral by College Green.
Including a captivating image of the chapel’s interior, the Lord Mayor’s chapel forms part of the Hospital of St Mark, established in 1220. Rosewell points out that the chapel appears bigger on the inside than it does on the outside, with its elevated ceiling creating an illusion from the pavement. It exudes the charm of old Bristol, showcasing ornate and delicate features that make it a truly lovely space.
One noteworthy element of the chapel is its stained glass, which was salvaged from William Beckford’s ill-fated Fonthill Abbey, a Gothic revival country house that suffered multiple tower collapses. As a Grade I-listed building, the chapel, also known as St Mark’s, is the last remaining structure from the Hospital of St Mark. Established in 1220, the hospital once provided daily care and food for 100 Bristol residents. After the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII, the hospital became part of the nearby Abbey of St Augustine, which eventually transformed into Bristol Cathedral.
In 1541, the chapel was sold to the Bristol corporation for £1,000. It became the official place of worship for the city’s lord mayor in 1722. Today, it is believed to be one of the only two remaining lord mayor’s churches in the country, with the other being St Lawrence Jewry in the City of London. While the chapel is still owned by the city council, the cathedral has taken over as custodian and will reopen it to the public on Friday, June 30th.
The Very Rev Mandy Ford, the dean of Bristol, expresses delight in preserving and sharing this beautiful chapel for the benefit of the entire city. Visitors, pilgrims, tourists, and worshippers are all welcomed to experience this special place. The chapel will be open from 10:30 AM to 4 PM every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with an entry fee required.
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