One of the principal features of Castle Park, in the centre of Bristol, are the remains of St…read morePeter's church. Originally built alongside the castle and founded in the late 11th century by the castle's owner, Robert Fitzhamon, the only parts of the church remaining from this period are the lower stages of the tower. It was rebuilt and enlarged in the 13th-15th centuries, and elements of Early English and Perpendicular gothic architecture form the bulk of the present structure. The church only just survived the English Civil War: in 1643, the Roundhead Governor of Bristol Castle, Colonel Nathaniel Fiennes is said to have ordered the demolition of both the nearby St Peter's and St Philip's churches to prevent the beseiging Cavaliers from taking up positions in them. It is claimed that only the arrival of Prince Rupert with an army of 20,000 Royalist soldiers prevented this. However, having survived a 17th-Century conflict, the church was not so fortunate during the 20th. Together with much of Bristol's mediaeval centre, St Peter's was destroyed in an air-raid on November 24th, 1940, which left 400 casualties. It was decided after the War not to rebuild this part of the city, but instead to turn it into a park. The remains of St Peter's were retained as a war memorial, and the surrounding area landscaped with gardens. To-day, it has a slight air of neglect, and could do with some further restoration.

Went here with a friend whose relative had passed away. The surroundings were nice and the lady was…read moreinitially very welcoming, made us coffee etc. When my friend explained that she wanted a burial and not a cremation and would like the 'simple funeral' advertised the lady went out and came back saying it would be more expensive, as it was only available at 9 or 9.30 am for cremations. The simple funeral was advertised at £2k and the price she gave us initially for a burial was over £5k!!! Then when my friend explained that she would be getting a benefit grant to help with the cost the lady said they needed almost £2k as a deposit first. The price came down to just over £4k as my friend chose another cemetery. The lady seemed to lose interest at that point - gave my friend a paper with costs on, didn't explain anything, didn't show her any pictures of the coffins available, talk about cars, flowers, the service, route absolutely nothing. I got the distinct impression she wanted us to go. Perhaps she works on commission I don't know. What I do know is that we have both used these funeral directors for other relatives in the past, and we won't ever be going back there. The service 10 years ago was first class and everything was explained with patience and compassion. In fact in the case of one of my relatives they did a monthly payment plan to help our family as we wanted extra cars etc. Its not like that now unless you have a lot of money. On a positive note my friend has now found another company who does have respect and compassion, and is not so expensive.

Heaven on Earth is an odd shop. It sells burial stuff (such as coffins), iconography (such as…read moreVirgin Mary statues) and has a huge selection of board games. It is one of the oddest collections of stuff in any shop I have seen and given how insulated we often are from our own mortality is a unique shopping experience!

From the owner: Heaven on Earth specialises in traditional and "green" funerals, encouraging families to get…read moreinvolved rather than "overtaking" or "undertaking" the funeral for them. We supply a range of ecologically-friendly coffins and offer a choice of religious or non-religious celebrants. We are 24 hours. Pre-Paid Plans available.