Weird Bristol
@weirdbristol.bsky.social
The weird and lesser-known history of Bristol.
You can find my books (including WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME) here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B00HBFSRCU
You can find my books (including WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME) here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B00HBFSRCU
Johnny Ball Lane (named after a 15th century friary owner, not the tv presenter/mathematician) was once one of the most dangerous streets in Bristol. Narrow, dark and without means of escape, for many centuries it was the haunt of many of the city’s most violent criminals.
November 24, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Johnny Ball Lane (named after a 15th century friary owner, not the tv presenter/mathematician) was once one of the most dangerous streets in Bristol. Narrow, dark and without means of escape, for many centuries it was the haunt of many of the city’s most violent criminals.
This block of flats at the foot of Jacob’s Wells Rd stands in the former location of the Jacob’s Wells Theatre.
The theatre was the first purpose built playhouse in the city and operated from 1729-1799.
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The theatre was the first purpose built playhouse in the city and operated from 1729-1799.
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November 23, 2025 at 8:24 PM
This block of flats at the foot of Jacob’s Wells Rd stands in the former location of the Jacob’s Wells Theatre.
The theatre was the first purpose built playhouse in the city and operated from 1729-1799.
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The theatre was the first purpose built playhouse in the city and operated from 1729-1799.
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In January, 1949, a bank robbery in Knowle left George Barron Black dead. A mysterious note was found at the scene of the crime which is believed to have been written by the killer himself.
The murder remains unsolved.
Read the full story in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME available now.
Link in profile.
The murder remains unsolved.
Read the full story in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME available now.
Link in profile.
November 23, 2025 at 10:38 AM
In January, 1949, a bank robbery in Knowle left George Barron Black dead. A mysterious note was found at the scene of the crime which is believed to have been written by the killer himself.
The murder remains unsolved.
Read the full story in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME available now.
Link in profile.
The murder remains unsolved.
Read the full story in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME available now.
Link in profile.
As some of you may know, I’m a recovering alcoholic and very proud to be more than three years sober.
I recently started Weird and Sober on Instagram in an attempt to help other people who are/were in the same situation as me - supporting each other strengthens us all.
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I recently started Weird and Sober on Instagram in an attempt to help other people who are/were in the same situation as me - supporting each other strengthens us all.
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November 23, 2025 at 10:22 AM
As some of you may know, I’m a recovering alcoholic and very proud to be more than three years sober.
I recently started Weird and Sober on Instagram in an attempt to help other people who are/were in the same situation as me - supporting each other strengthens us all.
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I recently started Weird and Sober on Instagram in an attempt to help other people who are/were in the same situation as me - supporting each other strengthens us all.
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Just outside of Bristol are the Stanton Drew stone circles, a Neolithic monolith of standing stones that may be up to 5,000 years old. The largest circle “The Grand Circle” is 113 metres/ 371 ft in diameter, making it the second largest stone circle in Britain after Avebury.
November 22, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Just outside of Bristol are the Stanton Drew stone circles, a Neolithic monolith of standing stones that may be up to 5,000 years old. The largest circle “The Grand Circle” is 113 metres/ 371 ft in diameter, making it the second largest stone circle in Britain after Avebury.
Running for 40 episodes from 2001-2004, the Bristol-filmed Channel 4 comedy/drama series Teachers is one of the channel’s longest running scripted TV shows.
It was affectionally mocked by Bristolians for its “creative” (and nonsensical) use of the city’s geography.
It was affectionally mocked by Bristolians for its “creative” (and nonsensical) use of the city’s geography.
November 21, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Running for 40 episodes from 2001-2004, the Bristol-filmed Channel 4 comedy/drama series Teachers is one of the channel’s longest running scripted TV shows.
It was affectionally mocked by Bristolians for its “creative” (and nonsensical) use of the city’s geography.
It was affectionally mocked by Bristolians for its “creative” (and nonsensical) use of the city’s geography.
In January of 1802, a grisly discovery was made at the foot of Brandon Hill.
The resulting murder investigation revealed a tale of desperation and a horrifying pact between two women.
Read the shocking true story in my book WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME.
Link is in my profile.
The resulting murder investigation revealed a tale of desperation and a horrifying pact between two women.
Read the shocking true story in my book WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME.
Link is in my profile.
November 21, 2025 at 9:43 AM
In January of 1802, a grisly discovery was made at the foot of Brandon Hill.
The resulting murder investigation revealed a tale of desperation and a horrifying pact between two women.
Read the shocking true story in my book WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME.
Link is in my profile.
The resulting murder investigation revealed a tale of desperation and a horrifying pact between two women.
Read the shocking true story in my book WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME.
Link is in my profile.
All Saints Church on Corn Street dates back to the 12th century and is said to be haunted by the ghost of a monk. The ghost is believed to be guarding a hoard of treasure he buried there during the dissolution of the monasteries from 1536-1541.
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November 20, 2025 at 7:47 PM
All Saints Church on Corn Street dates back to the 12th century and is said to be haunted by the ghost of a monk. The ghost is believed to be guarding a hoard of treasure he buried there during the dissolution of the monasteries from 1536-1541.
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This depression in the ground along Shirehampton Road is the Rushpool.
Before the invention of refrigeration, much of the city’s meat arrived at Avonmouth Docks as live cattle and was driven across the land to the Bristol abattoir.
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Before the invention of refrigeration, much of the city’s meat arrived at Avonmouth Docks as live cattle and was driven across the land to the Bristol abattoir.
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November 19, 2025 at 7:36 PM
This depression in the ground along Shirehampton Road is the Rushpool.
Before the invention of refrigeration, much of the city’s meat arrived at Avonmouth Docks as live cattle and was driven across the land to the Bristol abattoir.
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Before the invention of refrigeration, much of the city’s meat arrived at Avonmouth Docks as live cattle and was driven across the land to the Bristol abattoir.
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WHERE AM I WEDNESDAY
November 19, 2025 at 10:59 AM
WHERE AM I WEDNESDAY
The SS Great Britain was launched from her dry dock in 1844 but it was soon discovered that Brunel’s iron masterpiece was too huge to fit through the locks at Cumberland Basin.
As a result, she had to wait in the Floating Harbour for a year while the locks were resized to accommodate her.
As a result, she had to wait in the Floating Harbour for a year while the locks were resized to accommodate her.
November 18, 2025 at 7:55 PM
The SS Great Britain was launched from her dry dock in 1844 but it was soon discovered that Brunel’s iron masterpiece was too huge to fit through the locks at Cumberland Basin.
As a result, she had to wait in the Floating Harbour for a year while the locks were resized to accommodate her.
As a result, she had to wait in the Floating Harbour for a year while the locks were resized to accommodate her.
Following his 1901 death, this trough on Colston Avenue was installed as a tribute to Cpt R B Nicholetts of the school ship HMS Formidable which taught neglected boys. A lover of animals, Nicholetts wanted a memorial which would offer them his kindness even after his death.
November 17, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Following his 1901 death, this trough on Colston Avenue was installed as a tribute to Cpt R B Nicholetts of the school ship HMS Formidable which taught neglected boys. A lover of animals, Nicholetts wanted a memorial which would offer them his kindness even after his death.
Last year I published a murder mystery game book WELCOME TO PLUCKLEY GREEN and it sold… ok/reasonably well.
However, in May I received these lovely emails from someone who had enjoyed playing through the book with his daughter and they filled me with pride!
(Emails & pics shared with permission)
However, in May I received these lovely emails from someone who had enjoyed playing through the book with his daughter and they filled me with pride!
(Emails & pics shared with permission)
November 17, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Last year I published a murder mystery game book WELCOME TO PLUCKLEY GREEN and it sold… ok/reasonably well.
However, in May I received these lovely emails from someone who had enjoyed playing through the book with his daughter and they filled me with pride!
(Emails & pics shared with permission)
However, in May I received these lovely emails from someone who had enjoyed playing through the book with his daughter and they filled me with pride!
(Emails & pics shared with permission)
This plaque in the grounds of St John’s Churchyard, Bedminster was placed in honour of Bedminster-born bandsman Thomas Rendle VC (1884-1946). During WWI, aged 29 Rendle saved many men by digging them out of a collapsed trench - all while under heavy enemy fire.
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November 16, 2025 at 8:09 PM
This plaque in the grounds of St John’s Churchyard, Bedminster was placed in honour of Bedminster-born bandsman Thomas Rendle VC (1884-1946). During WWI, aged 29 Rendle saved many men by digging them out of a collapsed trench - all while under heavy enemy fire.
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The Pump House on Cumberland Basin was built around 1870 as a hydraulic engine house.
Weights in the tower forced water through pipes to control bridges and locks around the harbour.
By 1888, these operations were replaced by the more efficient Underfall Yard nearby.
Weights in the tower forced water through pipes to control bridges and locks around the harbour.
By 1888, these operations were replaced by the more efficient Underfall Yard nearby.
November 15, 2025 at 8:18 PM
The Pump House on Cumberland Basin was built around 1870 as a hydraulic engine house.
Weights in the tower forced water through pipes to control bridges and locks around the harbour.
By 1888, these operations were replaced by the more efficient Underfall Yard nearby.
Weights in the tower forced water through pipes to control bridges and locks around the harbour.
By 1888, these operations were replaced by the more efficient Underfall Yard nearby.
A few days ago, the brilliant Bristol author Gareth L. Powell posted this and it really struck me that “Do Good and Work Hard” is a terrific, optimistic motto - and one I think our city should officially adopt!
November 15, 2025 at 10:01 AM
A few days ago, the brilliant Bristol author Gareth L. Powell posted this and it really struck me that “Do Good and Work Hard” is a terrific, optimistic motto - and one I think our city should officially adopt!
When the first outbreak of bubonic plague hit Bristol in 1349, it was believed the cause was a “miasma” - the stench of the town was creating diseases. Fear of the outside air kept so many people indoors that it was said that long grass grew throughout the area of the Old Town.
November 14, 2025 at 8:19 PM
When the first outbreak of bubonic plague hit Bristol in 1349, it was believed the cause was a “miasma” - the stench of the town was creating diseases. Fear of the outside air kept so many people indoors that it was said that long grass grew throughout the area of the Old Town.
In November, 1818, friends William Burton and William Symns rowed to Bristol from the Gloucestershire town of Woolaston.
That evening, only Burton returned home - claiming Symns had accidentally drowned…
Read the full story of greed and murder in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME.
Link in profile.
That evening, only Burton returned home - claiming Symns had accidentally drowned…
Read the full story of greed and murder in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME.
Link in profile.
November 14, 2025 at 10:50 AM
In November, 1818, friends William Burton and William Symns rowed to Bristol from the Gloucestershire town of Woolaston.
That evening, only Burton returned home - claiming Symns had accidentally drowned…
Read the full story of greed and murder in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME.
Link in profile.
That evening, only Burton returned home - claiming Symns had accidentally drowned…
Read the full story of greed and murder in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME.
Link in profile.
From 1966-1999 this house on Westbury Rd, Westbury-on-Trym was the home of Hungarian-born physicist Andras (Andrew) Keller (1925-1999).
After arriving in England as a refugee in 1948, Keller went on to become a research professor (later professor emeritus) at the University of Bristol.
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After arriving in England as a refugee in 1948, Keller went on to become a research professor (later professor emeritus) at the University of Bristol.
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November 13, 2025 at 8:14 PM
From 1966-1999 this house on Westbury Rd, Westbury-on-Trym was the home of Hungarian-born physicist Andras (Andrew) Keller (1925-1999).
After arriving in England as a refugee in 1948, Keller went on to become a research professor (later professor emeritus) at the University of Bristol.
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After arriving in England as a refugee in 1948, Keller went on to become a research professor (later professor emeritus) at the University of Bristol.
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These seemingly nonsensical steps leading to a wall in Bristol Museum once led to a door which opened onto the Wills Memorial. In 1956, students from Bristol University used this door to steal the taxidermied Alfred the Gorilla as a rag week prank. He was found a few days later.
November 12, 2025 at 8:17 PM
These seemingly nonsensical steps leading to a wall in Bristol Museum once led to a door which opened onto the Wills Memorial. In 1956, students from Bristol University used this door to steal the taxidermied Alfred the Gorilla as a rag week prank. He was found a few days later.
WHERE AM I WEDNESDAY
November 12, 2025 at 11:42 AM
WHERE AM I WEDNESDAY
Before Gaol Ferry Bridge was opened in 1935, the most direct route to Bristol Harbour for most people in South Bristol was via a ferry which crossed the New Cut.
This ramp on the Coronation Road side of the New Cut was where commuters would queue to cross the water.
This ramp on the Coronation Road side of the New Cut was where commuters would queue to cross the water.
November 11, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Before Gaol Ferry Bridge was opened in 1935, the most direct route to Bristol Harbour for most people in South Bristol was via a ferry which crossed the New Cut.
This ramp on the Coronation Road side of the New Cut was where commuters would queue to cross the water.
This ramp on the Coronation Road side of the New Cut was where commuters would queue to cross the water.
On the 2nd of January, 1897, Mabel Price travelled to Avonmouth by train with her older brother William.
That evening, only William returned home…
Read the shocking full story in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME. Available now.
Link in profile.
That evening, only William returned home…
Read the shocking full story in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME. Available now.
Link in profile.
November 11, 2025 at 12:50 PM
On the 2nd of January, 1897, Mabel Price travelled to Avonmouth by train with her older brother William.
That evening, only William returned home…
Read the shocking full story in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME. Available now.
Link in profile.
That evening, only William returned home…
Read the shocking full story in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME. Available now.
Link in profile.
Born in Jamaica in 1937, Alfred Fagon made his name as a playwright and actor in Bristol and is regarded as one of the most notable black playwrights of the 70s and 80s.
A bronze bust of him can be found on Grosvenor Road/Ashley Road in St Pauls.
A bronze bust of him can be found on Grosvenor Road/Ashley Road in St Pauls.
November 10, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Born in Jamaica in 1937, Alfred Fagon made his name as a playwright and actor in Bristol and is regarded as one of the most notable black playwrights of the 70s and 80s.
A bronze bust of him can be found on Grosvenor Road/Ashley Road in St Pauls.
A bronze bust of him can be found on Grosvenor Road/Ashley Road in St Pauls.
This plaque (built into the wall of St Mary Redcliffe churchyard in 1932) celebrates the 1 1/2 mile conduit pipe which brought water from Knowle to Redcliffe.
Completed in 1207, this conduit became the primary source of fresh water for the people of Redcliffe for centuries.
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Completed in 1207, this conduit became the primary source of fresh water for the people of Redcliffe for centuries.
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November 9, 2025 at 8:07 PM
This plaque (built into the wall of St Mary Redcliffe churchyard in 1932) celebrates the 1 1/2 mile conduit pipe which brought water from Knowle to Redcliffe.
Completed in 1207, this conduit became the primary source of fresh water for the people of Redcliffe for centuries.
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Completed in 1207, this conduit became the primary source of fresh water for the people of Redcliffe for centuries.
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