Hermitage in Quaker burial ground near St Mary Redcliffe

The hermitage beside St Mary Redcliffe in Bristol is a medieval hermit's cave set in a former Quaker burial ground, now a small public park. It is protected as a scheduled monument, listed by Historic England as "Hermitage in Quaker burial ground near St Mary Redcliffe". Think of it as a short stop for history lovers and fans of offbeat corners rather than a full outing.

What is the hermitage?

It is a small chamber cut into the red sandstone that Redcliffe is built on. Local histories credit Thomas Berkeley with founding it in the 14th century, traditionally in 1346, and name John Sparkes as the first hermit, charged with praying for the Berkeley family. Hermits are said to have lived here in succession until the 17th century. Sources disagree on exact dates, so treat 1346 as local tradition.

What about the Quaker burial ground?

Quakers bought the land in 1665 and buried their dead here until the early 20th century. In 1950 they gave it to the city so a road could be widened. Part of the site became carriageway and the rest was laid out as a park. A plaque on site records the 1665 purchase and the gift to the people of Bristol.

What can you see today?

You cannot walk into the hermitage. A gate closes the entrance, but you can look through the opening. Inside lie nearly 200 headstones lifted from the old burial ground. The heritage listing also mentions a concrete wall blocking the passage further in, and a plaque dated 1669 commemorating a mariner named Christopher Birchead. The rest of the site is a green square with benches, hemmed in by a busy junction.

How do you get there?

The park sits between St Mary Redcliffe church and the Phoenix Wharf waterfront, close to the Redcliffe Way roundabout. From central Bristol it is a walk of roughly a quarter of an hour over Redcliffe Bridge or along the quayside. Pair it with a visit to St Mary Redcliffe itself, one of the city's best-known churches.

When should you go?

The park is open during the day and viewing from outside costs nothing. Choose a dry day with good light, since the cave interior is dark. Allow 15 to 20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go inside the hermitage? No. A gate blocks the entrance, but you can see in through the opening, where the old headstones are stacked.

Is there an entry fee? No. The park is public and free.

Is this the same as the Redcliffe Caves? No. The Redcliffe Caves are a separate network of man-made sandstone caverns. This hermitage is a single chamber in the park beside St Mary Redcliffe.

How long should I allow? About 15 to 20 minutes, ideally combined with a visit to St Mary Redcliffe church.