Staple Hill Story Walk

13 ECHOES

Location: Bristol, South Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom

An audio walk through Staple Hill, with stories in Page Park, Broad Street and the much loved High Street.

Recommended route: Start at The Bean Tree Cafe in Page Park; leave the park, cross road and walk down south side of Broad Street; after 'Men's suits & Clarks Pies' cross the road and walk back up towards park, finishing in Fountain Square. Walk can also be done the other way round...or any way you fancy!

Please take care when doing this walk! We recommend pausing stories to cross roads!

Recorded and produced by Richard Lobb. Additional production, research and support by Melody Beard and Freya Smith.

Funded by South Gloucester Council, Thrive Grant.

Walking Words: Hamilton House via Stokes Croft to the Unitarian and Bearpit

Bristol

Hamilton House to the Unitarian via Stokes Croft and the Bearpit Poets: Pete Weinstock / David C Johnson Stokes Croft The road takes its name from John Stokes, mayor of Bristol in the late 14th century.His will recorded the area as "Berewykse Croft in Redeland", while the will of Nicholas Excestre, who died in 1434, named it "formerly John Stoke's close". It runs through the historic manor of Barton, which was recorded in the Domesday Book and part of the City of Bristol since 1373. Stokes Croft was predominantly rural until around 1700, being mainly used for market gardening. Urban development was first logged in the parish records of 1678, while St James Square, to the west of Stokes Croft, was laid out by around 1710. John Roque's map of Bristol 1750 shows the area built up and running north of a central courtyard between Stokes Croft, North Street and Wilder Street. Though industries were established on Stokes Croft during the 18th century, the road was not fully developed and built-up until around 1850. Construction of the Carriage Works at No. 104 began in 1859, while the City Road Baptist Church was built in 1861. The area was damaged badly in World War II, with many buildings destroyed on Stokes Croft and King Square. St James' Fair St James' Fair was an annual fortnight of excitement, adventure and entertainment for the people of Bristol. Beginning in the 13th century in and around the churchyard of St James, it originally took place during the feast of St James at the end of July, but by the 19th century it was held during the first two weeks of September. It attracted traders and shows from all across the UK and overseas, which included, according to the exhibitors list, wild beasts, waxworks, flying coaches, peep shows, a camera obscura, air bathing, a revolving panorama, dwarves, giants, and even 'a learned pig'. Traders sold goods ranging from earthenware pots to silk ribbons, and there were food and drink stalls, theatres, and fair ground rides. Bush houses, unlicensed pubs identified by an evergreen garland or bush, were also extremely popular until they were outlawed in 1815.

free

Staple Hill Story Walk

13 ECHOES

Location: Bristol, South Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom

A Memorable Football Match

Secrets Of The Clock Tower

Fairground in 50s

Maureen's Memories

The Fish 'n' Chip Shop

On The Corner Of Bath Street

Living On The High Street

Uncle Walt's TV Shop

Men's Suits & Clarks Pies

Regal Cinema

Ping Pong At The Church

Reverend 'Uncle' Bob

Last Christmas

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Other walks nearby

The House with Twelve Doors

The Eastville Park Soundwalk

Cinderella Audio Walk - Group Project

Oldland Common Walk

Joe Bristol

Walking Words: Hamilton House via Stokes Croft to the Unitarian and Bearpit

Unwalked Journey

Misfits on the Move - Stokes Croft

Strodex - Tottertone

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