St Mark's Church, Bristol, Medieval religious building in College Green, Bristol, England
St Mark's Church is a medieval religious building in Bristol with a central tower topped by a pyramidal roof and displaying late Gothic architectural details throughout its stone fabric. The structure sits on the north-east side of College Green, where it has remained since medieval times.
The building was constructed around 1230 as a chapel for Gaunt's Hospital and was taken over by Bristol Corporation after the Dissolution in 1539. This transfer allowed the structure to remain in active religious use rather than being lost to the community.
The church houses stained glass windows from France and Germany that were collected and installed during the 1800s. These works from different periods create a colorful and varied interior light throughout the day.
The Grade I listed building stands on the north-east side of College Green in the city centre, making it easy to locate on foot. Access may depend on opening times and service schedules, so it is best to check ahead before visiting.
This church is one of only two religious buildings in England that remain privately owned by a city corporation and actively used for worship. This unusual arrangement has allowed the building to maintain its independence and distinctive character across the centuries.
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