Much of the medieval church decoration was lost during the Reformation and the Civil War between the supporters of Parliament and King Charles I. Once a great screen stood behind the High Altar filled with images of saints. Also in front of the quire stood another screen, with a carving of the crucifixion, often referred to as a Rood, from the old word for a cross. This screen allowed the church to be used for worship whilst allowing the nave, clear of pews and chairs, to be used by the community as a place to meet. There were also small chapels around the building in which prayers were sung for the souls of benefactors. These chapels were called Chantry Chapels, named after the chanting of the prayers; each was highly decorated and was dedicated to the favourite saint of the benefactor. William Canynges, the rich merchant buried in the south transept, paid for the upkeep of two, St Catherine the patron saint of merchants, and St George the patron saint of England. There were also chantries dedicated to St Stephen, St Nicholas and St Blaise

StMary Redcliffe was outside the protection of the city walls.