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the early 17th century in the wainscotting, chimney-pieceSj &c., 

 and the splendid roof of the original building may still be seen. 



The Church of St. James was then visited — one of the oldest 

 foundations in Bristol ; it was part of the Benedictine Priory 

 erected in the 12th century. The present nave and west end is 

 the only part of the original Church existing. It is singularly 

 impressive with its huge piers and semi-circular arches and simple 

 clerestory, covered (as is usual) with a 15th century wooden roof. 

 The south aisle is of debased Perpendicular 17th century work. 

 The north aisle is a modem addition from designs by the late 

 Sir Gilbert Scott. The tower is 15th century, exceedingly plain, 

 and stands at the east end of the Church. 



The party then proceeded through Trenchard and Host Streets 

 to the Hospital of St. Mark, or the " Mayor's Chapel," founded 

 by Maurice de Gaunt in the 13th century; very little of the 

 original work remains, and what little there is is sadly mutilated. 

 The most interesting part of the Church is the Poyntz Chapel 

 (now used as a vestry), which, as a specimen of early 16th century 

 work, is superlatively beautiful and refined, and one of the best 

 in the country. In the south aisle are the recumbent effigies of 

 the founders, as also some excellent examples of monuments of 

 the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, with a curious hagioscope, 

 giving a view of the high altar, and a pannelled and richly 

 decorated recess, which has the appearance of a reliquary. 



Time was now sUpping away, and with a glance at the Church 

 of St. John Baptist, built on the wall and forming one of the 

 gates of the city, a move was made to the Council House, which 

 contains a most interesting and valuable collection of ancient 

 charters and MS. books, including the well known Eicart's 

 Calendar, the Great Book of Wills, and the Little Ked Book, 

 dating from the 14th century ; ancient state swords and maces, 

 letters from celebrities of the 14th to the 19th century, pictures by 

 old masters, one or two by Van Dyke, Lawrence, ELneller, 

 4nd others. 



