There was an interesting programme on BBC 4 the other night with the above title. Two Bristol churches were featured: Holy Trinity,  Westbury on Trym, 13th century, though according to the church website, an 8th century foundation, and All Saints, City, 15th century.

The former has a “Cadaver tomb” – which portrays the occupant as a rotting corpse rather than in the pink of life. Such macabre depictions came about in the wake of the Black Death, mid 14th century and gave the message “As I am, then you shall be.”

All Saints, in St Nicholas Market now a Christian study centre, is 15th century. Purgatory was the intermediate station between possible bliss in heaven and the damnation of hell.  In order to avoid staying in this nerve racking place, (presumably under cross examination), no longer than absolutely necessary it was essential to purge as many of one’s sins as possible whilst still on earth. Of course, it helped if you had some money. Alice Chester, a widow “in good prosperity” in 1485 believed the Rood Screen at All Saints was rather ordinary so left a large bequest to the church to provide a new one.  “Rood” is an antique name for “cross”. The Rood Screen, in a mediaeval church was of ornate carved wood and separated the chancel from the main altar. Above the screen in the “Rood Loft” the crucifix looked down on the congregation, reminding them of Christ’s humanity and His suffering on their behalf. 

Agnes Chester was a contemporary of John Cabot, who is believed to have come to England in 1484 and lived just along the way in St Nicholas Street. Perhaps they bumped into each other. Just twelve years after Agnes died Cabot set sail on his epic voyage across the Atlantic to find a shorter sea route to Asia and stumbled upon Newfoundland.

Obituaries of Bristol mariners and their families in Bristol Gazette, 1844/45 & Bristol Mercury (BM), 1844

Captain AYSH, died of apoplexy, en route to Dublin, formerly of Africa trade. (19.12.44)

William BODY. chief mate of barque “Congo” en route to Africa, 21st October 1844, aged 27. (14.8.45)

Ellen CUNDY. On June 2nd aged 7 years, Ellen youngest daughter of the Late Mr John CUNDY, master mariner, of this port. (BM 8.6.44)

Captain E. DOBLE of “Ness”, aged 39, twenty years in the service of Baillie and Evans. (19.6.45)

Thomas DUNN, son of Mr Dunn, baker of Bristol, aged 29, died June 6th 1844, due to the upsetting of his ship, “Delphos”, Liverpool on North West Coast. (12.6.45)

Thomas R. GRIFFITHS, mariner, late mate of the ship “George” of this port, died Dec 30th 1843, aged 34. (BM 6.1.44)

Captain George HOLLAND aged 28, of the “John Cabot” died June 5th of consumption, off Africa Coast. (15.8.44)

Captain John JONES, died March 25th en route Mauritius-London, “Anna” of Bristol. (10.7.45)

Sarah JONES. Sarah, wife of J. Jones, mariner, aged 30, most affectionate wife and mother leaving a husband and three children to deplore their loss. (31.7.45)

Maria SMITH, died May 8th aged 23, at Duke Street, of consumption, wife of Captain Thomas SMITH, “Pamona”, Bristol. (May, 1844)

Fanny WAGSTAFFE. Fanny, wife of Captain George Wagstaffe of this port. (30.10.45)