Free Exhibition

Celebrating the Gift of Water: Redcliffe's Medieval Pipe


Saturday 21 October - Friday 29 March


Every year the Priest, Churchwardens, and people of St Mary Redcliffe walk the route of an ancient conduit given to the parish over 800 years ago.


The conduit dates back to 1190 when Robert de Berkeley, Lord of the Manor of Bedminster, granted by deed the right of St Mary Redcliffe and its ministers to lay a pipe from the Rugewelle - an ancient freshwater spring in the Knowle area of Bristol - through south Bristol to an outlet 

in the churchyard.


The annual Pipe Walk, which has been undertaken by generations of parishioners, asserts the church’s right of way along the route of the pipeline, and is an opportunity forthe 

people of Redcliffe to give thanks for the gift of fresh water.


Visit our free exhibition to find out more about the fascinating history of Redcliffe’s medieval water supply.


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