Step into the St Mary Redcliffe

St Mary Redcliffe Church, all gargoyles, pointed arches and finials, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that has watched over Bristol for some 800 years. 

Queen Elizabeth I is said to have called it "the fairest, goodliest, and most famous parish church in England" and its consecrated grounds hold secrets from Bristol and America’s past. 

St John’s Chapel, now known as The American Chapel holds the tomb and armour of Admiral Sir William Penn, father of Pennsylvania's founder. Look out for the giant whale-bone next to the chapel, a souvenir brought back to Bristol by John Cabot in 1497 following his expedition from Bristol to discover North America. Pirate Captain Blackbeard also allegedly had a hideaway cave under the Church.