Our Story

Bristol Cathedral Trust, founded in 1989, is an independent charity dedicated to raising funds for the preservation of Bristol Cathedral. For over three decades, the Trust has served as the Cathedral’s primary fundraising body, supporting vital restoration and conservation projects. Since 2024, this responsibility is now shared with Bristol Cathedral, which has recently become a charity in its own right.

The Trust now focuses its efforts on fundraising to support essential projects that maintain the Cathedral’s historic integrity for future generations to visit and enjoy.

Our Impact

Bristol Cathedral Trust’s primary mission is to preserve the Cathedral’s fabric and its historical significance. Through careful management of assets, the Trust provides grants to the Cathedral’s Dean and Chapter, supporting projects that preserve the building’s structure and heritage. Recent successes include raising over £2.2 million for the restoration of the Cathedral’s organ which was originally built in 1685 by Renatus Harris and rebuilt in 1907 by Walker. The Trust also supports educational initiatives and has helped maintain the Cathedral’s renowned choral tradition.

Objectives

Raise funds to maintain and preserve Bristol Cathedral’s fabric for future generations.

Build and sustain an endowment fund through the Fitzhardinge Society to ensure long-term financial stability for the Cathedral building.

Foster engagement with Fitzhardinge Society members through special events within the Cathedral and visits to notable places of interest.

Governance

Bristol Cathedral Trust is an independent Trust which operates under charity law, governed by a board of nine trustees who bring with them valuable and diverse expertise in sectors such as law, finance, media and education. The Trust is committed to transparency, ensuring that funds are used responsibly to protect the Cathedral’s legacy.

Fabric Projects

Bristol Cathedral Trust plays a crucial role in funding and delivering a range of fabric projects and repairs across the historic Cathedral site, preserving this precious building for the long-term. Current and recent projects include:

CURRENT AND RECENT PROJECTS

The Organ

An organ has been housed in the Cathedral since at least the 1300s and the instrument is a cornerstone of the Cathedral’s musical heritage. The current organ was built in 1685 by Renatus Harris and rebuilt by Walkers in 1907, and the last major repair was in 1989. It is considered one of the finest romantic organs in the country. Now undergoing a major restoration project led by expert organ builders Harrison & Harrison, the organ’s original brilliance, which includes 83 stops and 3855 pipes, will be secured thanks to Bristol Cathedral Trust and the Fitzhardinge Society, who together successfully raised over £2.2 million to fund the project.

Cloister Doors

In 2018, beautiful new glass doors were installed in the Cloister which simultaneously improved draft exclusion, light and accessibility.

Lay Clerk Vestry

Improvements were made to the Lay Clerk Vestry, where the adults of the choir prepare and robe for services. The space also provides access to the charming Sub Croft Chapel, used for services when the main building is in use, such as during graduation ceremonies held by the University of the West of England.

Café and catering

The café and kitchen have been fully refurbished and are now able to welcome and accommodate a growing number of visitors to the Cathedral.

Floors and Access

Public accessibility and wheelchair access has been improved in and around the Cathedral, especially in the Cloister and outside the Verger office.

Gatehouse Heating

Our beautiful 12th century Gatehouse houses many of the Cathedral’s administration staff and clergy. A full refit of the radiators has ensured that the team is kept safe and warm.

Inventory and Storytelling

Preserving and protecting the Cathedral archives and inventory means that new audiences will continue to learn about the history of Bristol Cathedral which has been an important part of the city for almost 900 years.

“Every time I have walked into Bristol Cathedral over the past 60 years, I have been enthralled, as some aspects of this magnificent building will strike me afresh. It is a spellbinding symphony of space, light and stone. For centuries it has been the living heart of Bristol and an important focus in the whole of the southwest.

Its history is interwoven with that of the city. For nearly 900 years people have come here at times of joy, and at times of sorrow, and have found it a place of peace and of light.

Bristol Cathedral is not as well-known as it deserves to be for its distinctive architecture, its harmonious style and its important place in Bristol’s history and evolution. But, with your help we can change that. Please support Bristol Cathedral Trust and the Fitzhardinge Society, and together we can preserve, protect and nurture the fabric of Bristol Cathedral for this generation, and for a great many generations to come.”

Stephen Parsons MBE DL, Chair of Bristol Cathedral Trust

Trustees

Our dedicated Trustees guide our mission with their vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our values and goals.

Bristol Cathedral

Bristol Cathedral did not become a Cathedral until 1542. Prior to the Reformation, Bristol was an Augustinian community in the Diocese of Worcester and perhaps the most important monastic house in Bristol.

The Fitzhardinge Society

The Fitzhardinge Society is a membership organisation that was formed in 2006 to support the mission of Bristol Cathedral Trust

GET IN TOUCH

For further information about the work of Bristol Cathedral Trust, or if you would like to know more about becoming a member of the Fitzhardinge Society, please contact us.

For further information about the work of Bristol Cathedral Trust, or if you would like to know more about becoming a member of the Fitzhardinge Society, please contact us.