Bristol as our ancestors saw it, c.1853 Our next object is ZION INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, opposite Bedminster Bridge, built in a quadrangular form by the late MR. HARE, at an expense of £4000. We now turn on the left, and walk beside the New Cut of the river, till we arrive at the RAILWAY TERMINI of the GREAT WESTERN, the BRISTOL AND EXETER, and the BRISTOL AND BIRMINGHAM Railway Companies. Opposite which is the celebrated FLOOR CLOTH MANUFACTORY of Messrs. HARE & Co. Pieces of twenty-seven feet in width, and one hundred and eighty in length, of the richest patterns, have been produced at this manufactory. Next door to the SARACEN'S HEAD, which faces the RAILWAY HOTEL on the opposite side, is the PATENT GLAZED POTTERY of Win. Powell & Co. Crossing the street brings us to TEMPLE STREET SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, established in 1797. Forty girls are here clothed and educated. A little further up the street is an ENDOWED SCHOOL, by EDW. COLSTON, for forty boys, who are clothed and instructed; established in 1711. Near this is an ALMSHOUSE, founded for twelve elderly women, widows or daughters of freemen, by ALDERMAN STEVENS, each of whom receive 5s. weekly. On the same side is TEMPLE CHURCH, which was founded by the Knights Templars, an order instituted in 1118, wearing a white habit with a red cross on the left shoulder. The soil on which the church is built was evidently once a marsh; to this may be attributed the sinking of one side of the tower, which deviates nearly four feet from a perpendicular line, and which renders its appearance quite appalling. It is, notwithstanding, pronounced to stand secure. -- Josephine Jeremiah http://www.ianandjo.dsl.pipex.com