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 on 24th 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.