St Thomas

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Bristol, St Thomas

ST THOMAS, St Thomas Street.Now redundant, opened by the Churches Conservation Trust.

 

  • Opening: Mondays, 11am - 4pm.
  • Access: two steps to forecourt, three steps at entrance. Level access within.
  • Map

 

A simple late-C18 ClassicalGlossary Term church designed and built 1789-93 by James Allen, a little-known local architect-builder whose potential was clearly unrealised. It replaced a medieval predecessor of which only the C15 three stage tower survives; note the unusual combination of clasping and angle buttresses. 'Bristol' spirelet and three diminutive pinnacles set inside a pierced parapetGlossary Term, all added 1896-7 by William Venn Gough. Handsome E end with a big Venetian motif, otherwise the exterior is unadorned. Inside, a five-bayGlossary Term naveGlossary Term arcadeGlossary Term with tunnel vaultGlossary Term penetrated by clerestory windows. CorniceGlossary Term with repeated cherub heads, very old-fashioned for the 1790s. Interiors somewhat remodelled (1878-80) by Gough, when the naveGlossary Term E bayGlossary Term was incorporated in the chancelGlossary Term with contemporary choirGlossary Term stalls and altar. The WOODWORK is the glory of St. Thomas; fine two-tier Flemish oak reredosGlossary Term (1716) by William Killigrew from the old church, worthy of a Wren church in the City of London; the only survivor (and the best) of eight in Bristol. Text panels relegated to the S aisleGlossary Term for garish paintings by F. von Kamptz, 1907. Dignified RomanGlossary Term DoricGlossary Term W galleryGlossary Term (1728-32) with inlaid clock and excellent starred friezeGlossary Term. Other woodwork includes a plain PULPITGlossary Term (1740); LECTERN converted from a fontGlossary Term; elegant semi-circular mahogany FONTGlossary Term RAILGlossary Term in the S aisleGlossary Term; Royal Arms (1637) with Jacobean strapworkGlossary Term in the frame; and ORGAN case, 1728 by John Harris, with foliage panels and cherub heads. Early C17 SWORD REST; square rod with central cage of four flat scrolls.

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