News / Old City
Historic gateway closed due to danger of falling masonry
There were once five churches built into Bristol’s city walls, acting both as defence and as a place for travellers to pray before a journey.
Only one of these churches now remains but it is currently closed for urgent conservation repairs.
Signs in front of the gateway of St John on Wall warn of a danger of falling masonry, with Bristol24/7 understanding that the church’s spire has been declared dangerous.
As its name suggests, St John on the Wall church once formed part of Bristol’s city wall
The present building joining Broad Street and Quay Street dates back to 1350 to 1500 and is now in the care of the Churches Conservations Trust.
The spire above the north gate to the medieval city of Bristol was once shared by another church, St Lawrence, but this was deconsecrated and sold in c.1580 and had been demolished by 1824.
In the words of the Churches Conservation Trust, St John’s “is part of the very fabric of Bristol”.
The church used to border Gropecunt Lane, now known as Nelson Street
The church’s original gateway and its two newer side walkways have been closed due to the danger of falling masonry from the spire
All photos: Martin Booth
Read more: Renowned Bristol artist creates new mural in medieval entrance to Old City
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