From Saxon times the wealth of Bristol developed from its importance as a safe trading port for seafarers and the income thus gained provided a major contribution towards the cost of building St Mary Redcliffe. When King Henry 1 gave the church to the Canons of Salisbury Cathedral in 1115 there was a substantial building already on the site, of which only the inner porch and base of the tower remain.

Much of the church seen today dates from the 15th century. The building is filled with Merchant Marks (Mediaeval corporate logos) by which the benefactors can be identified. The Mark of one family, the Canynges, can be seen around the church, carved in stone and on stained glass, suggesting that they were responsible for the rebuilding of the church. Probably closer to the truth, the construction was a combined effort from a number of merchants.

The canopied altar tomb of the wealthy merchant Willian Canynges and his wife Joanna. After the death of his wife William Canynges took holy orders and became a Priest

The city of Bristol had been a centre for the slave trade from the Saxon period and during famines it was common for the people to place themselves into bondage to be sold as slaves. The 11th century Saint Wolfstan, Bishop of Worcester, condemned the people of Bristol for participating in this trade which continued through the mediaeval period; many merchants were censored for abducting children off the street to sell into slavery. By the 18th century the enslavement of Europeans was rare but a new source of the brutal trade had been found in Africa. Everyone's life was tainted by this deplorable trade; even so, many slaves became christians and founded the vibrant Gospel Churches that preached freedom through Christ.

A second monument of carved alabaster of William Canynges, dressed in his priest's vestments. Could the figure at his feet be a slave?