Bristol as our ancestors saw it, c.1853 Returning to Redcliff Street, we go on to SAINT MARY REDCLIFF CHURCH, than which no church in the kingdom has a greater claim to the attention of the topographer and the historian. Its antiquity, the beauty of its architecture, and the interesting circumstances connected with its history, entitle it to particular notice. But Redcliff Church is also associated with the enterprises of genius; for its name has been blended with the reputation of Rowley, of Canynge, and of Chatterton. It is therefore always visited with enthusiasm by the lover of poetry and the admirer of art; and when the interesting fabric shall have mouldered into ruins, even those will be trodden with veneration, as sacred to the recollection of genius of the highest order. Under a large canopy, beneath the centre window in the south transept, is an altar tomb of stone, supporting recumbent effigies of WILLIAM CANYNGE, AND OF JOAN HIS WIFE. The first is dressed in his mayor's robes, and the second in the costume of the times. We notice that the work of restoration is slowly progressing, principally through the instrumentality of the CANYNGE SOCIETY, and an individual, under the cognomen of NIL DESPERANDUM, by whom the north porch is nearly restored. On Redcliff Hill, nearly opposite, is the PATENT SHOT MANUFACTORY. The discovery of making this shot is said to have arisen from a dream by Mrs. Watts, wife of the original Patentee. She told her husband that she had been engaged, whilst asleep, in making those diminutive globes, by dropping melted lead from a great height into a well of water beneath. The present firm is "JAMES WILLIAMS AND PATENT SHOT COMPANY, LEAD SMELTERS AND MANUFACTURERS." At the end of Guinea Street, on Redcliff Hill, is the BLUE-COAT SCHOOL, in which twenty-four girls are instructed in reading and needle work. In this street are also the WlCKLYFF INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, and the BRISTOL GENERAL HOSPITAL established in 1832. -- Josephine Jeremiah http://www.ianandjo.dsl.pipex.com