News / Castle Park
Archaeologists to excavate ruined city centre church
A ruined church in the centre of what is now Castle Park was once at the heart of a densely built-up commercial district in the oldest part of Bristol.
St Peter’s church was originally located just outside Bristol’s defensive ditch and likely served as the parish church for the adjacent royal Manor of Barton.
But after the Norman Conquest in 1066, a timber motte-and-bailey castle was built at the east end of what is now Castle Park and the town’s defences were extended to encompass the area around the church, whose oldest surviving parts date from the 12th century or even earlier.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol City Council want to bring the ruins of St Peter’s back into public use – photo: Martin Booth
St Peter’s was gutted by fire when Bristol received heavy bombing in November 1940 but it was preserved as ruins as a memorial to the victims of the Blitz.
Nearby St Mary le Port church and Temple church both also remain standing as permanent memorials but due to its position, St Peter’s is the most well-known.
The church today stands as a permanent memorial to those who died in the Bristol Blitz – photo: Martin Booth
A rare opportunity to learn more about the history of St Peter’s church is happening on Wednesday, July 20 coinciding with excavations by Wessex Archaeology.
Bristol City Council hope to be able to bring the building back into public use but the floor – a 1970s construction of concrete and gravel – is in poor condition and in places is significantly subsiding.
Before a new floor can be designed, Wessex Archaeology will be carrying out a ground penetrating radar survey, followed by the hand excavation of test pits.
As well as providing essential structural information, it is hoped that this work may shed some light on the development of the church.
…………………………………
Read more: 22 things you probably didn’t know about Castle Park
…………………………………
The excavations will take place from July 19 to 21, with a public viewing area at the west end of the church, and an archaeologist on hand to discuss the history of the building and how the investigations are progressing.
On Wednesday, the open day will include artefact handling and other activities for children at what is probably Bristol’s oldest church.
For more information, visit www.wessexarch.co.uk/news/festival-archaeology-open-day-st-peters-church-bristol-archaeological-investigation
St Peter’s Church used to be at the heart of one of Bristol’s busiest neighbourhoods – photo: Martin Booth
Join Martin Booth to find out more about St Peter’s Church, Castle Park and the Old City on guided walks taking place every weekend. To book, visit www.yuup.co/experiences/explore-bristol-s-quirkiest-corners
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: Bristol’s medieval parish boundary markers hidden in plain sight
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
