South Bristol Through Time

This fascinating selection of photographs traces some of the many ways in which South Bristol has changed and developed over the last century.

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Once a sleepy rural community bordering the fields of North Somerset, the ancient Royal Manor of Bedminster spread along the banks of the River Avon, south of the City of Bristol. Today, this area comprises the vibrant suburbs of Totterdown, Windmill Hill, Bedminster itself, Southville and Ashton. The last 200 years have seen dramatic changes occur, as poor workers from the countryside flocked to this area in search of employment. With the help of before and after photographs a real sense of that change emerges; we see where local people lived and worked, and how they relaxed. Many of the shops, churches, pubs and factories have disappeared and the modern photographs show their replacements. Daily life has also altered - trams and horse carts have disappeared, but the vitality and community spirit is still in full view.