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Tag: Bristol history

  • William Champion’s garden in Warmley near Bristol

    William Champion’s garden in Warmley near Bristol

    This weekend I had a chance to take a tour of William Champion’s garden. William Champion (1709 – 1789) was one of Bristol’s most important industrial pioneers. In 1738 he patented the first successful commercial process for separating zinc from its ore. He went on to establish a thriving brass works which became one of…

  • Historic boats moored in Bristol’s floating harbour

    Historic boats moored in Bristol’s floating harbour

    The floating harbour is the heart of Bristol and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. There is always a lively atmosphere and plenty to see. The Bristol harbour festival takes place in July each year. In 2025 it will take place from the 18th to 20th July. The floating harbour will be…

  • Bristol and the Film Industry

    Bristol and the Film Industry

    If I was having coffee with you this week, I would probably tell you about a walk I did on Monday to learn more about the Bristol film industry and discover some of the lost cinemas of central Bristol. We often encounter film crews at work during our walks. Recently we have watched part of…

  • St. Mary Redcliffe Pipe Walk

    St. Mary Redcliffe Pipe Walk

    If I was having coffee with you this weekend, I might tell you about an interesting and unusual walk I went on recently. Many years ago, I studied medieval history at university. I still find it interesting to learn more about traditions that have carried on for hundreds of years. So, when a friend told…

  • A Bristol harbour boat trip aboard John Cabot’s ship the Mathew

    A Bristol harbour boat trip aboard John Cabot’s ship the Mathew

    If I was having coffee with you this week, I would tell you that I have ticked another item off my Bristol bucket list. Bill and I went for a trip round Bristol harbour aboard the Mathew. The sailing ship is a replica of the boat that John Cabot sailed from Bristol to Newfoundland in…

  • Cary Grant: From Bristol Childhood to Hollywood Stardom

    Cary Grant: From Bristol Childhood to Hollywood Stardom

    Cary Grant was a Hollywood heartthrob who starred in Hitchcock films such as North by Northwest and Notorious. He was even Ian Fleming’s first choice to play James Bond but he turned the part down. Some people think he would have been excellent as Bond but his own background was very different from the fictional…

  • Unveiling Bristol’s Printing Treasures: The Clayton Hotel and Beyond

    Unveiling Bristol’s Printing Treasures: The Clayton Hotel and Beyond

    The Clayton is one of Bristol’s newest luxury four star boutique hotels situated on Broad Street in the heart of the old city. It is close to the harbourside, theatres and shops. I have not been inside yet but the facade makes it one of my favourite buildings in Bristol. This week for Thursday doors…

  • Exploring Bedminster and Southville in Bristol

    Exploring Bedminster and Southville in Bristol

    Bedminster and Southville are adjoining suburbs in South Bristol close to the river Avon. I belong to a local history walking group and this year we have been exploring the suburbs of Bristol to try and trace the development of the city. Bedminster has featured on a walk, enticingly called addicted Bristol. We also used…