Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne

Building in Bristol, England

51°27′22″N 2°35′50″W / 51.456121°N 2.597164°W / 51.456121; -2.597164Completed1504

The Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne is a church in Colston Street, near the top of Christmas Steps, Bristol, England. It has been designated as a Grade II* listed building.^[1]

The Three Kings of Cologne refers to the Biblical Magi. The dedication is a reference to the Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral, Germany.^[2]^[3] One of the windows shows the nativity of Jesus, which may have contributed to the naming of the Christmas Steps.^[4]^[5]

The chapel was built by John Foster in 1504. He was previously the local High Sheriff, mayor, and member of parliament for the city.^[6] The church serves as the chapel for Foster's Almshouses.^[7] The master of the almshouses was responsible for maintaining the chapel and appointing a priest.^[8]

It was refaced and roofed in 1861 by Foster and Wood, with further restoration in 1865 which included niches for the installation of carvings.^[2]^[7] The three current statues were designed by Ernest Pascoe and installed in the 1960s.^[9]^[10] On the gable above the statues is a small bellcote.^[1]

Current use

As of 2007 the adjoining Foster's Almshouses have been remodeled into private residences, with the chapel available for the use of residents.

References

^ ^a ^b Historic England. "Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne (1202144)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 23 October 2016.
^ ^a ^b "Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne, Colston Street, Bristol". Historic England. Archived from the original on 23 October 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2016.
^ Flaneur, B. "The Three Kings of Cologne Chapel, The John Foster Almshouse, Bristol". The Antics Roadshow blog. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2016.
^ "Christmas Steps: Ghosts, myths and fish 'n' chips". BBC. Retrieved 23 October 2016.
^ "Christmas Steps How did iconic street get its festive name?". Bristol Post. 23 December 2014. Retrieved 23 October 2016.^{[permanent dead link]}
^ Mountney, Hugh (2003). The Three Holy Kings of Cologne: How They Journeyed from Persia to Cologne and Their Veneration in England. Gracewing. p. 7. ISBN 9780852444078.
^ ^a ^b Brace, Keith (1976). Portrait of Bristol. London: Robert Hale. ISBN 0-7091-5435-6.
^ Ross, Charles Derek (1959). Cartulary of St. Mark's Hospital, Bristol, Volume 21. Bristol Record Society. pp. 287–288. Archived from the original on 23 October 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2016.
^ Foyle, Andrew (2004). Bristol (Pevsner Architectural Guides: City Guides). Yale University Press. p. 132. ISBN 978-0300104424.
^ "Beyond The Walls Three Kings of Cologne". About Bristol. Retrieved 23 October 2016.