St Mary-Le-Port, Bristol

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The historic church of St Mary-Le-Port stands proudly in Castle Park, Bristol's north side along the River Avon. In the midst of World War II, Bristol faced intense bombing between November 1940 and April 1941, leaving Mary-Le-Port severely damaged during an air raid in 1940. As a result, most church walls including the nave, north aisle, chancel, and north-east Priest House were partially torn down to leave standing ruins. St Mary-le-Port's walls are primarily constructed of Pennant sandstone with scattered sections of later reused stone for repairs or infill. Early 1960s excavations led by Philip Rhatz in the 1985 publication hint at a Saxon origin for the church. The examination of excavation findings also points to a phased development timeline spanning the 12th, 13th, and late 15th through early 16th centuries.