St Mark's Church, Bristol

Bristol is unique among cities in the UK in owning this civic chapel, which has been used as the Corporation's official place of worship since 1722. It was originally the chapel of the hospital of the Gaunts and was known as St Mark's Church. It was founded in 1220 and was granted by King Henry VIII to the Corporation in 1541 (as part of the infamous Dissolution of the Monasteries) for the sum of GBP1000. No other hospital buildings remain. It's particularly noted for its fine, 16th-century stained-glass windows and an intricately fan-vaulted roof, as well as for a wealth of monuments that chronicle the city's history. But best of all, it's a wonderfully peaceful oasis amidst the bustle and hurry of the city center just outside. Its a place to sit quietly and soak up the atmosphere.