St Mary Magdalene, Stoke Bishop

Construction of the church began on 5 August 1858 due to an increase in population in Stoke Bishop, and because the old parish church, located Westbury-on-Trym, was too far for the residents, and was built on land owned by William Baker, a local builder. On 13 March 1860, parts of the chancel, aisles, and the base of the spire were completed. The church was designed by John Norton, a London architect who went on to design Tyntesfield House, outside Bristol, and cost £15,000. In 1871 the nave was extended, the west porch added, and the spire was erected. Construction of the spire drew to a halt after a violent storm caused it to collapse. It was quickly rebuilt and by 1872 bells were placed…

The church was designed by John Norton following a Gothic Revival style. The spire is 48 m tall and built in 1872. Made of stone, it features three stages and is supported by heavy buttresses. The nave has 5 bays and is separated from the aisles by a series of columns, and the interior features a series of wooden carvings. The altar features a series of reredos, which narrate and depict the life of Saint Mary Magdalene. The church’s stained glass windows were designed by Clayton & Bell, and some represent various important families of Bristol. The church’s cemetery is located in the courtyard.