St Philip and St Jacob, Bristol

St Philip and St Jacob stands in central Bristol, a Grade II* listed parish church known locally as Pip ‘n’ Jay. Records from 1174 already mention the church, though its roots go back to a small priory founded around AD 900. The present nave pillars were added in the 19th century, possibly by William Armstrong, while the tower still holds eight bells cast in 1738 by William Bilbie. A 1980s extension on the south-east corner now houses meeting rooms and a kitchen. The church once contained a large medieval knightly effigy, fragments of which survive in local memory. The building has survived threats from the English Civil War to the 1960s closure plans. During the Civil War, orders to demolish it were cancelled when reinforcements reached Bristol. In the 1960s, a small congregation kept the church open by adopting the motto ‘Seek First’ and the nickname Pip ‘n’ Jay. Since 1963 it has grown into one of Bristol’s leading Evangelical churches. Canon Malcolm Widdecombe served as vicar from 1974 until 2009, followed by Revd Tim Jones in 2023. Parish archives held at Bristol Archives include registers, photographs and maps dating back centuries. Inside, visitors find a mix of medieval fabric and Victorian additions. The font is the only surviving piece from the original priory. The tower’s bells still ring, and the 1980s extension provides modern facilities. The churchyard once held a famous recumbent effigy of a man-at-arms in tall sallet armour. Beyond the building, the parish covers districts such as The Dings and Easton. Greenbank Cemetery, opened in 1871, serves as the parish burial ground.