Bristol Cathedral

Bristol Cathedral stared out life as an Abbey and monastery founded in 1140. Over time bits were added right up until the two west towers were completed in 1888. Longer time viewers of this blog may well remember that I am doing a long time project, in no particular hurry, photographing all 42 of the Church of Englands, Anglican Cathedrals. This I am doing on film, Ilfords XP2 to be specific, chosen because it’s 400 speed is about right for most situations, and it’s made in England. Not that I am at all nationalistic, it just seemed a sensible choice. It also happened that without much thought, the first two I photographed were on that film!

Above (left) looking down the Nave showing the screen that was added in the 19th century, and (right) the altar. You may just notice in the left image that, I guess due to the fragmentary building of what we see today, there is a slight curve! Just the other side of that screen is the choir, where on the left hand side is the bulk of the organ. Originally built and installed in 1685, but just like the rest of the cathedral has been changed, added to, restored. The latest restoration only just completed in 2025, changed the operation from Tubular Pneumatic to Electro-Pneumatic. Lucky for me, just as I walked under the screen and into the choir, it blasted out a few test notes, the the organist proceeded to play Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor. As a side note – If you are interested in that sort of music (like me) have a look at this amazing you tube video! The organist appears to have three hands literally!! It’s playing as I write this!!

The first time I tried to visit this Cathedral it was closed as the BBC were inside preparing for something or other, this time I enjoyed a wander, but unfortunately the Chapter House, the oldest remaining part of the Cathedral was closed for a private meeting – this gives me another excuse to visit again!