Temple Church - Bristol
Temple Church - Bristol
Temple Church, also known as Holy Cross Church, is a notable historical site located in the city of Bristol, England. Established in the 12th century by the Knights Templar, a prominent medieval Catholic military order, the church has since undergone numerous transformations and reconstructions, embodying various architectural styles.
Architecture
The Round Church
The original Temple Church was a round church, a typical design for churches constructed by the Knights Templar, inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. This circular architecture reflects the church’s earliest roots, which date back to the second half of the 12th century.
The Rectangular Nave
The rectangular nave was added to the round church in the early 14th century, creating a unique combination of styles that persists to this day. The nave, including the aisles and the chancel, displays elements of the Decorated Gothic style popular in England during the time of its construction.
The Leaning Tower
One of the most distinctive features of Temple Church is its leaning tower. Built in the 14th and 15th centuries, the tower began to lean after its foundations subsided. The leaning tower of Temple Church is now one of the most recognized landmarks in Bristol.
Bombing and Preservation
The church was severely damaged during the Bristol Blitz of World War II. Despite the damage, the ruins of the church were preserved and are now managed by English Heritage. The site has been a scheduled monument since 1959, and its intriguing history and unique architecture continue to draw visitors from around the world.
Whether it’s for its historical importance as a former Templar site, its unique combination of round and rectangular architecture, or its leaning tower, Temple Church in Bristol remains a cherished and enduring part of England’s historical landscape.
Created: 23 May 2023 Edited: 29 November 2023
Temple Church - Bristol
Temple Church - Bristol LiDAR Map
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Local History around Temple Church - Bristol
There are some historic monuments around including:
Stokeleigh Camp: a promontory fort in Leigh WoodsUnderfall Yard, Bristol DocksWansdyke: section E of Maes Knoll campPart of a Roman road on Durdham Down 865m north east of Black RocksDominican Friars (Quaker's Friars)Part of Bristol city wall 185m west of Bristol BridgeQueen Charlton village crossSection of City Wall, King StreetFairbairn Crane, Bristol HarbourKing's Weston Hill camp, HenburyBristol Castle vaulted chambersChurchyard cross in St Michael's churchyardTemple ChurchBowl barrow in Bowness Gardens 315m north west of the swimming lakeHermitage in Quaker burial ground near St Mary RedcliffeDruid Stoke burial chamber, Stoke BishopPart of the Roman Settlement of AbonaeMedieval vaults N of St Peter's ChurchClifton Down camp, CliftonCivil War defences on Brandon HillSecond World War heavy anti-aircraft battery 590m north east of Highwood House, Pur Down, BristolDeserted medieval farmstead NE of NorthwickMaes Knoll campPart of the linear boundary known as the Wansdyke 210m north west of CottlesPart of the linear boundary known as the Wansdyke 425m south of New Barn FarmBlaise Castle, Iron Age hillfort, Roman and medieval remains, and post-medieval gardenChapel at Lower CourtVault in High StreetBet tohorah at Jacob's Wells RoadSt Mary-le-Port Church.
