Temple Gardens

Temple Gardens SEANETTA (Atlas Obscura User)

If one were to walk from Temple Meads Train Station to the center of Bristol, they just might pass a 12th-century church with connections to the Knights Templar.

From across the road on Victoria Street, visitors will notice that the tower has a rather severe lean. The steeple was a later addition and was most likely built during the 14th-century. The original structure was meant to be a round church built by the Knights Templar, this was to provide a safe haven for traveling pilgrims at the beginning of the 1100s.

The remains can still be seen in the interior of the church ruins. A more modern chapel was constructed in the 1700s. However, this structure would not survive a bombing attack during the Blitz of World War II. Today, the church and surrounding gardens have been given a GradeII building status.

Know Before You Go

The grounds are maintained by English Heritage and there are information placards provided. There is no access to the interior of the churchyard, the surrounding area is free and handicap accessible during daylight hours. No parking on premises and dogs must be kept on leads/leashes at all times.