St Mary-le-Port dates from Anglo-Saxon times and stands at the heart of the
old town. It was rebuilt in the 15th century and the tower's stair turret pinnacle is
taller than the other three - a local idiosyncrasy. St Mary-le-Port was the first church
to suffer in the Blitz of November 1940, and now only the tower remains. The name
is said to derive from the fact that the chuch was built near the original quayside on
the River Avon, which was later replaced by the new harbour on the River Frome.
However in old deeds it is referred to as St Mary de Foro, meaning St Mary of the
Market Place, as Bristol's main market was once held outside the church.