The hidden chapel that’s new – but not so new

Posted on: 19 Jul 2023

An 800-year-old chapel that’s been closed to the public for nearly 500 years has recently opened up – and you’ll want to see inside.

St.Mark’s Chapel – perhaps better known as the Lord Mayor’s Chapel, is a chapel that was initially a part of the hospital of St Mark (found in 1220). During the dissolution of the monasteries, the hospital was purchased by the Corporation of Bristol in 1541.

In 1772, the Chapel became the official place of worship of Bristol’s Lord Mayor – convenient considering it now sits just across the road from the current City Hall. Since 1541, when it was bought by Bristol, the Chapel has been completely closed to the public. Until now. As of last month, June 30th, the Lord Mayor’s Chapel has opened for public access for the first time in 500 years.

 

 

Inside, visitors can discover the beautiful architecture of the Grade-I listed building – including the fan-vaulted ceiling (a form of ceiling vaulting that spreads like a fan, with the ‘ribs’ of the support following the same curvature), the well-preserved Spanish tile floor, and a colossal stained-glass window – taken from the folly of Fonthill Abbey, which collapsed and was demolished across the 1800s.

There’s plenty to recommend the Chapel architecturally, but it also remains of historical and legal interest, as one of the only two remaining Lord Mayor’s churches in the country – and as the only church in England that’s owned by a local authority. When seen in the context of its truly prodigious age as well, that makes St Mark’s a real historical wonder.

Tickets will cost visitors – but only a small amount, with tickets costing £3 for an adult, and £1 for children – with a £1 discount for NHS and armed forces. However, tickets are then valid for an entire year.

 

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