St Thomas the Martyr, Bristol

St Thomas the Martyr is a church in Redcliffe, Bristol, that combines a fourteenth-century tower with a late eighteenth-century nave designed by architect James Allen in classical style. The building now serves as an event venue with capacity for around 300 people and includes modern facilities such as a kitchenette and accessible restrooms.

The medieval church was replaced in 1789 after being declared unsafe, with only the original fifteenth-century west tower retained for the new building. The decision to rebuild followed assessments that found the structure unsuitable for continued use.

The interior holds an eighteenth-century organ case, a 1716 reredos, and a 1728 gallery that came from the earlier church building. These furnishings reflect different periods of use and show how the space evolved artistically over time.

Access is straightforward, and visitors should know that the place operates primarily as an event venue, so it may not be available outside of scheduled occasions. Its location in Redcliffe makes it easy to reach when exploring that part of Bristol.

The adjoining Seven Stars Tavern was a gathering place where Reverend Thomas Clarkson collected information about the transatlantic slave trade. This connection shows how a local site became linked to broader historical movements.