St Nicholas

St Nicholas church was originally built on the old city wall. There was a gateway which was removed in 1762 and the church was rebuilt.

John Whitson (1555 – 1629) was buried in the church and his effigy is in the crypt. He was Bristol’s ‘Dick Whittington’ in that he came to the city as an orphan and stayed to become a wealthy businessman and Mayor, twice. He founded Redmaids School which is the oldest girls school in England.

The church was badly damaged during WW2 air-raids but it was re-roofed and for a time it was a museum. It now houses city council offices. You may request admittance to see the memorials – many relate to mariners.

Approximate mediaeval parish boundary superimposed on 1901 map.