The Lord Mayor’s Chapel Open to Visitors

The Lord Mayor’s Chapel is the only remaining building of the Hospital of Saint Mark. When it was built in about 1230 it was connected to the Abbey of St Augustine, known today as Bristol Cathedral. The hospital provided food and care for 100 people every day.

After the dissolution of the monasteries the chapel, then part of Gaunt’s Hospital, was leased to Sir Edward Carne and then in 1540, it was acquired by Bristol Corporation (now Bristol City Council). Over the next 200 years the hospital site including the Chapel was used by many organisations including Queen Elizabeth Hospital School for Boys, Redmaids’ High School, and the Society of Merchant Venturers.

It offered religious refuge to notable figures like John Wesley and The Huguenots. In 1722 The Lord Mayor’s Chapel became the official place of worship of the Lord Mayor of Bristol and has remained so ever since. It is a remarkable place that has endured the most significant religious upheaval in England, and it remains a gem of our city’s hidden history. Since 2023 Bristol Cathedral has cared for the Chapel, and an active community participate in worship every Sunday.

Spotters Trail

This trail is for anyone and everyone, but especially for young people and families who want to explore the Chapel in more detail and discover some hidden secrets. Follow the footsteps around the trail and complete as many challenges as you can. Design your own coat of arms, find the man with a toothache and match the beautiful floor tiles to the right location!

Language guides

Information about the chapel is available in multiple languages including: English, English in a Dyslexia friendly font, Dutch, French, Italian, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish, Ukrainian.

Service times

Worship is free and takes place every Sunday.

Everyone is welcome to join us to worship at The Lord Mayor’s Chapel. On the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday we hold Choral Mattins and the 3rd Sunday is a Eucharist.

Access

The main entrance to the chapel has seven steps down into the chapel. There is a handrail on one side. Visitors who require level access should ring the doorbell outside the chapel and someone will come to assist them through an alternative side entrance. Bristol Cathedral are working towards a long-term solution to give level access to the chapel.

Toilets

There are no public toilets in The Lord Mayor’s Chapel, but the Cathedral is 100 metres away and has Female, male, accessible, gender neutral and baby changing facilities are available. Please be aware that step free access to the toilets is around the outside of the building.

Photography

You are welcome to take photos during your visit, except during services, school events, concerts or when choirs are rehearsing. For commercial photography or to use a tripod, please contact: 0117 926 4879 or [email protected]