You’re walking through a busy modern city—and then a towering Gothic church stops you in your tracks. That’s exactly what happened to me in Bristol, when I stumbled upon St Mary Redcliffe, a church Queen Elizabeth I herself called “the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England.”

I’m Claire Ridgway, historian and author, and in this episode I share the story behind this incredible Tudor site—from Elizabeth’s 1574 visit, to her letters patent for its restoration, to the royal grammar school she founded right next door.

Did you know a statue of Elizabeth I from her lifetime still survives—inside this very church?

Join me as I explore this hidden Tudor gem and reveal why it should be on every history lover’s travel list. I also share a few other places to visit in Bristol, including the nearby cathedral and the fascinating M Shed museum.

Explore further:

- Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mary_Redcliffe

- Stunning photos: https://www.geograph.org.uk/of/st+mary+redcliffe

* Statue of Elizabeth I: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1413938

Have you visited St Mary Redcliffe—or Bristol in general? Let me know in the comments!

And if you enjoyed this Tudor travel detour, please like and subscribe for more stories from history.

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