Visitors to Bristol Cathedral have been witness to the sound of wonderful organ music since at least the 1300s and, as is the case for many of the UK’s oldest cities, the organ is the cornerstone of Bristol’s musical heritage. The core mission of Bristol Cathedral Trust is to preserve the fabric of the building, and the restoration [...]

In January, members of the Fitzhardinge Society were given a masterclass in wood conservation by Bainbridge, the specialist company cleaning the case of the Bristol Cathedral organ. The highly skilled restoration work is part of the Organ Refurbishment Project, which is being funded by Bristol Cathedral Trust. The original oak casing was created for the Renatus Harris [...]

If you’d like to hear the latest update on the restoration of the Cathedral’s organ, which was originally built in 1685 by Renatus Harris and rebuilt in 1907 by Walker, then please join us for a special Q&A session with the Organ Renovation Team. Taking place inside Bristol Cathedral on Friday 17th January between 13:00 and 15:00, everyone [...]

In June, members and friends of the Fitzhardinge Society travelled to Durham to visit Harrison & Harrison, the specialist firm working on the restoration and refurbishment of the Cathedral organ. Following a wonderful, guided tour of Durham Cathedral, the party was met at Harrison & Harrison by the Andy Scott, Managing Director. Having joined as an apprentice in [...]

Last summer, the County and City of Bristol awarded Freedom of the City to HMS Prince of Wales, the largest warship in the Royal Navy. 300 sailors from HMS Prince of Wales assembled in Bristol Cathedral Choir School and on College Square, with a Royal Marine band leading the march from College Green down Deanery Road, along [...]

The Cathedral’s Chapter House dates from around 1165 when the great Plantagenet King Henry II was on the throne. It is a classic example of a Norman Chapter House, beautifully decorated with elaborate patterns. The niches around the walls were crafted to be the seats of Chapter meetings of the Abbey, and it has been a place of [...]