Christ Church with St Ewen, Bristol

Christ Church with St Ewen is a Church of England parish church on Broad Street in the historic centre of Bristol, England. It is one of the city's best-known Georgian churches and a landmark of the old walled core of the city.

Where is Christ Church with St Ewen?

The church stands on Broad Street, in the central part of Bristol, at roughly 51.455 N, 2.593 W. Its position in the middle of the city makes it easy to include in a walk through the old streets, together with the other historic churches nearby.

What is the history of the church?

A church is recorded on this site going back to Norman times, and the present building is thought to be the third on the spot. The medieval church had a long history of structural instability. In 1786 it was judged beyond repair and pulled down. Part of the southern side of the old site was given up so that Wine Street could be widened.

The church you see today was built between 1786 and 1791. Different sources give 1790 or 1791 as the year of completion, and Historic England dates the work to 1786-1791. The body of the church was designed by William Paty, while the tower is thought to be the work of his father, Thomas Paty, who was architect to the vestry. The building was constructed by Thomas Paty and Sons, a well-known Bristol family of builders and architects.

Who designed it and what style is it?

The church is a Georgian design of the late eighteenth century. It is listed Grade II*, a status given to particularly important buildings of more than special interest. The church is noted for its interior and for its tower clock. The quarter jacks, the figures that traditionally strike the quarter hours, were moved from their original position, and plans have been reported to put them back.

How did the church change over time?

In the nineteenth century the church became the centre in Bristol for the Church Union, a movement with high church views. Its outlook contrasted with the character usually associated with Georgian church life. Alterations made in 1883 introduced a pseudo-Florentine style to the interior, which later writers have described as unfortunate. A restoration in 1973, led by the priest-in-charge, Rev. G. S. Zimmern, gave the building fresh care.

In 2008 the churches of Bristol city centre were reorganised. Since then the full title of the parish has been Christ Church with St Ewen, All Saints and St George, Bristol, which reflects the joining of several congregations into one.

Frequently asked questions

Who built Christ Church with St Ewen? The church was built by Thomas Paty and Sons. William Paty designed the main body, and the tower is attributed to Thomas Paty.

When was the present church built? Construction ran from 1786 to about 1790 or 1791, after the medieval church was demolished.

Is the church a listed building? Yes, it is listed Grade II*.

Why is the name so long? The name comes from the 2008 reorganisation of the city centre churches, which added All Saints and St George to the title.

What should visitors look for? The tower with its clock, the Georgian architecture on Broad Street, and the interior, which is one of the reasons the church is noted.