News / Old City
Making a historic church a more cherished part of Bristol’s street scene
Bristol’s only remaining medieval gateway has been given a new lease of life.
A new lighting system has been installed that illuminates the tower, spire, conduit head and three archways of St John on the Wall church.
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The refurbishment marks the beginning of a series of works to preserve and promote the historic building, with lighting in the central arch now highlighting the medieval portcullis slot.
St John’s, which once stood on the quayside of the river Frome was built into the city walls in the 14th century. It is now cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust and volunteers open it daily to the public.
It is said that during election times in the past, the fountain on the north side of St John on the Wall church was sometimes made to run with wine
Funding for the improvement works comes from the developers of the former magistrates’ court on Nelson Street.
The stonework around the archways will be deep-cleaned and the conduit head – a drinking tap built to connect the church to a spring on Brandon Hill over 700 years ago – cleaned to remove graffiti and a low bronze screen installed.
The long nave at St John’s consists of six tall bays – photo by Ian Sumner
Beneath St John’s is a vaulted crypt, once dedicated to the Holy Cross
Nicola Beech, cabinet member for spatial planning and city design, said: “St John on the Wall is the only remaining gateway into the medieval heart of Bristol. It’s an important part of our city’s heritage and we’re looking at ways to protect and restore it for the future.
“Lighting the church’s historic archways is just the first step towards making St John’s a more prominent and cherished part of the Bristol street scene.”
Read more: Could the only part of Bristol Castle that survives above ground be brought back to life?
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