Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne

The Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne is a church in Colston Street, near the top of Christmas Steps, Bristol, England. It has been designated as a Grade II* listed building.^[1]

Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne
Location within Bristol
General information
Town or city	Bristol
Country	England
Coordinates	51.456121°N 2.597164°W / 51.456121; -2.597164
Completed	1504

The Three Kings of Cologne refers to the Biblical Magi. The dedication is a reference to the Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral, Germany.^[2][3] One of the windows shows the nativity of Jesus, which may have contributed to the naming of the Christmas Steps.^[4][5]

The chapel was built by John Foster in 1504. He was previously the local High Sheriff, mayor, and member of parliament for the city.^[6] The church serves as the chapel for Foster's Almshouses.^[7] The master of the almshouses was responsible for maintaining the chapel and appointing a priest.^[8]

It was refaced and roofed in 1861 by Foster and Wood, with further restoration in 1865 which included niches for the installation of carvings.^[2][7] The three current statues were designed by Ernest Pascoe and installed in the 1960s.^[9][10] On the gable above the statues is a small bellcote.^[1]

Current use

As of 2007 the adjoining Foster's Almshouses have been remodeled into private residences, with the chapel available for the use of residents.

See also

• Grade II* listed buildings in Bristol
• List of churches in Bristol

References

1. Historic England. "Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne (1202144)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 23 October 2016.
2. "Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne, Colston Street, Bristol". Historic England. Archived from the original on 23 October 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2016.
3. Flaneur, B. "The Three Kings of Cologne Chapel, The John Foster Almshouse, Bristol". The Antics Roadshow blog. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2016.
4. "Christmas Steps: Ghosts, myths and fish 'n' chips". BBC. Retrieved 23 October 2016.
5. "Christmas Steps How did iconic street get its festive name?". Bristol Post. 23 December 2014. Retrieved 23 October 2016.^{[permanent dead link]}
6. Mountney, Hugh (2003). The Three Holy Kings of Cologne: How They Journeyed from Persia to Cologne and Their Veneration in England. Gracewing. p. 7. ISBN 9780852444078.
7. Brace, Keith (1976). Portrait of Bristol. London: Robert Hale. ISBN 0-7091-5435-6.
8. Ross, Charles Derek (1959). Cartulary of St. Mark's Hospital, Bristol, Volume 21. Bristol Record Society. pp. 287–288. Archived from the original on 23 October 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2016.
9. Foyle, Andrew (2004). Bristol (Pevsner Architectural Guides: City Guides). Yale University Press. p. 132. ISBN 978-0300104424.
10. "Beyond The Walls Three Kings of Cologne". About Bristol. Retrieved 23 October 2016.