Quakers Friars

Quakers Friars is an 18th-century church building in Bristol featuring a spacious gallery and detailed wooden decorations throughout its interior. The structure stands on the remains of a Dominican priory originally founded in 1227.

The building was constructed between 1747 and 1749 by architect George Tully as a meeting house for the Religious Society of Friends. It served this community for nearly 3 centuries before being repurposed in modern times.

The space reflects how Quakers designed their meeting places, with carefully crafted wooden details marking the gathering area for worship. The gallery and interior layout show a community that balanced simplicity with skilled craftsmanship.

The building now forms part of the Cabot Circus development and houses restaurants while retaining its protected status. Visitors can explore the interior and view the architectural features as the space remains publicly accessible.

The building stands on foundations connected to the medieval Blackfriars Priory, with parts of its original cloister still visible beneath. In 1828, sections of this older complex were adapted for educational purposes before the Quaker building eventually occupied the site.