The Great Gateway should be visited. The lower part is of Norman character, and was part of the founder's work; the upper is Perpendicular and was the work of Abbot Elliot. He probably renewed the rich Norman ornamentation, so much so that in the opinion of Mr. Godwin, the great authority on Bristol architecture, "the so-called Norman gateway of College Green is no Norman gateway, but a Perpendicular restoration of the old work."
Another gateway, which formerly led to the palace destroyed in 1831, exists, which is part of the original Norman work of the Cathedral. At the south-west corner of the cloister is an Early English doorway, which formerly led to the refectory. It is a sad pity that so much of the old monastery has been destroyed.
Dimensions
| Total length | 300 ft. |
| Length of nave | 125 ft. |
| Width of nave | 69 ft. |
| Height | 52 ft. |
| Area | 22,500 sq. ft. |
Principal Building Dates
- Norman (1142-1170)—Part of transepts, chapter-house, lower part of gateway.
- Early English (1196-1215)—Elder Lady Chapel, parts of transepts and Berkeley Chapel.
- Decorated (1306-1332)—Choir, Lady Chapel and stalls. (1332-1341)—Newton Chapel.
- Perpendicular (1428-1481)—Great Tower, upper part of gateway, roof.
- Modern—The nave.
The city has a large number of interesting churches. The noble Church of St. Mary, Redcliffe, one of the finest in England, chiefly fourteenth century; All Hallows' (Norman and Perpendicular); Temple Church (Decorated and Perpendicular); St. Philip's, St. Stephen's, St. John's, are the most important.