The Lord Mayor's Chapel

Yabe

little gem in heart of Bristol 15th October 2008

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This chapel is still in use as a place of worship, but with a difference: it is owned by the City of Bristol (since the 16th Century) and is used for civic services and events.

Officially known as St Mark's Church, the Chapel is the last remaining part of the former Hospital of Gaunt, which cared for the poor and sick of the parish. The building itself is being lovingly maintained by the Council and benefits from being located opposite the Council House. It is the official place of worship of the Lord Mayor of Bristol and the City of Bristol - many of the Council's special services and civic events take place here, although the Chapel itself is of relatively modest size and can't accommodate a huge gathering.

Inside, the chapel has some very impressive Tudor ceilings and stained glass windows, as well as some very old tombs.

The Chapel is located on busy College Green, opposite Bristol Cathedral, and is hemmed in between the shops. The outside of the building has recently been restored and makes for a visually very attractive building. The organ is a very fine feature of the chapel. It is showing its age (170 years old) and is in need of some major maintenance work. The Friends of the Lord Mayor's Chapel currently have an 'Organ Appeal' which is raising funds for the much needed work.