News / english heritage
‘Hidden’ church above shops granted listed status
A remarkable post-war Brutalist church in Bristol has been given Grade II listed status.
Broadmead Baptist Church overlooking Union Street has an official address of 1 Whippington Court.
It was built between 1967 and 1969 with accommodation included within it to the designs of Ronald Sims of Bournemouth architects Geens, Cross & Sims.
Broadmead Baptist Church’s spacious timber-clad interior is within a Brutalist concrete shell, above which there was originally a timber spire – image: Bristol Archives
When the Broadmead development was still in the drawing board stages, the Rev RW Waddelow convinced city planners that there was a need to house his congregation above the new shops, with the result that Broadmead Baptist Church was allowed to remain while other city centre churches moved elsewhere across Bristol.
One of Waddelow’s successors, the Rev J Penry Davies, was closely involved with the development and design of the new building, envisaging a “Baptist cathedral of the West”.
Thousands of shoppers pass by Broadmead Baptist Church every day, unaware that it even exists. But a church has stood here since a chapel was founded on this site in 1640 – photo: Barbara Evripidou
Broadmead Baptist Church is among more than 250 places that have been added to the National Heritage List for England in 2024.
The list is a register of all nationally protected historic buildings and sites in England including listed buildings, scheduled monuments, protected wrecks, registered parks and gardens, and battlefields.
Historic England chief executive, Duncan Wilson, said: “From rare 17th century chest tombs to a post-war church above the shops to a revolutionary former maternity ward benefitting new mothers, these remarkable places granted protection in 2024 show the diversity of England’s heritage.
“This festive season, we invite you to explore the historic places on your doorstep, add your stories and photos to the Missing Pieces Project and help us to celebrate what makes these places so special.”
The Broadmead area survived heavy Second World War before being redeveloped in the 1960s, replacing what is now Castle Park as Bristol’s main shopping district – photo: Barbara Evripidou
Join Martin Booth on a walking tour of the Old City and Castle Park. For more information and to book, visit www.yuup.co/experiences/explore-bristol-s-quirkiest-corners
Main photo: Martin Booth
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