Looking at Buildings

, printed from the Looking at Buildings website on Friday 29th March 2024

St John's on the Wall

CryptGlossary Term [1] not normally open.
  • Access: Eight steps up inside south entrance.
  • Map [2]
  • St. John's sits astride the city wall, its W steepleGlossary Term [3] over the only surviving city gate at the bottom of Broad Street. In the outside N wall of St. John's is St. John's ConduitGlossary Term [4]. The present surround is of 1866, but water has been piped here from a spring on Brandon Hill since 1376. St John's sits over a very good C14 CRYPTGlossary Term [5] with undulating late DecoratedGlossary Term [6] vaults at the E end; not generally open to the public. Interior: a late C14 six-bayGlossary Term [7] naveGlossary Term [8], aiseless and unclerestoried with tall recessed windows divided by wall shafts; seen in perspective they ripple and dissolve, giving the naveGlossary Term [9] an expansive air. Unusual single-bayGlossary Term [10] clerestory to lightGlossary Term [11] the roodGlossary Term [12] screenGlossary Term [13]. Graceful moulded chancelGlossary Term [14] archGlossary Term [15] and two bayGlossary Term [16] chancelGlossary Term [17]. Exceptionally complete C17 woodwork includes Communion tableGlossary Term [18] (1635) and rails; reading desk c.1630 with arched panels re-used from the cryptGlossary Term [19] screenGlossary Term [20]; pews (c.1621); stone fontGlossary Term [21] on cross plan (1624) with open crownGlossary Term [22] cover in oak; late C17 W galleryGlossary Term [23] containing C18 panels painted with saints. Post-warGlossary Term [24] chancelGlossary Term [25] N window by Bell of Bristol depicting Christ with St. John the Baptist and St. Lawrence. Late C17 brass LECTERN on baluster stem with acanthusGlossary Term [26] decoration; C18 wrought ironGlossary Term [27] SWORD REST; C19 stone pulpitGlossary Term [28]. MONUMENTS: ChancelGlossary Term [29]: tomb chest to the church's patron Walter Frampton d.1388, with very fine effigy flanked by angels, and a dog at his feet; brass to Thomas Rowley and his wife, c.1478; wall monumentGlossary Term [30] to Andrew Innys d.1723, by Michael Rysbrack."

    Last updated: Monday, 26th January 2009