A church in Bristol’s old city boundary walls and the footpaths running through its archways have been closed due to a safety risk. Fences erected at St John’s Gateway block access beneath the clock tower, warning pedestrians and cyclists about the danger of 'falling masonry'.
The 14th-century St John on the Wall is the last of five churches that were built into the city’s boundary, originally acting as places of worship for travellers setting off from within its walls. It is currently used as a heritage attraction, art gallery and live music venue, as well as being open daily for tours.
Now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust, the historic venue has recently been closed for conservation works. In June, contractors scaled the spire to add temporary reinforcements ahead of mortar repairs.
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Fencing has now appeared around the busy shortcut that links Broad Street on one side to Nelson Street and Broad Quay on the other. There is no access through any of the three archways, and a stretch of the footpath and cycle path next to the gateway has also been blocked off.
Jessica Clarke, a spokesperson for the trust, said: "Recent investigative works at St John’s Church, Bristol by the Churches Conservation Trust has shown part of the spire to be unstable. For safety reasons, the church is now closed and there is an exclusion zone in areas surrounding the building.
"We understand this may be disappointing to visitors, however we are working with contractors and specialists to ensure that we can raise the necessary funds to make the repairs and to open the church again as soon as possible."
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