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
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Weird Bristol
@weirdbristol.bsky.social
· Jun 20
Delve into the murky world of Bristol’s criminal past with my latest book WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME.
Featuring 100 tales of lawlessness in our city - from scheming charlatans to plundering pirates, from hot-headed robberies to cold-blooded murder…
Available right now!
Link is in my profile.
Featuring 100 tales of lawlessness in our city - from scheming charlatans to plundering pirates, from hot-headed robberies to cold-blooded murder…
Available right now!
Link is in my profile.
In 1937 a dual carriageway was built diagonally across Queen Square, in hopes of lessening Bristol’s traffic woes.
At its peak, 20,000 cars were driven across the park daily,
The road was closed in 1992 and all traces of the carriageway were removed by the end of the millennium.
At its peak, 20,000 cars were driven across the park daily,
The road was closed in 1992 and all traces of the carriageway were removed by the end of the millennium.
December 7, 2025 at 8:00 PM
In 1937 a dual carriageway was built diagonally across Queen Square, in hopes of lessening Bristol’s traffic woes.
At its peak, 20,000 cars were driven across the park daily,
The road was closed in 1992 and all traces of the carriageway were removed by the end of the millennium.
At its peak, 20,000 cars were driven across the park daily,
The road was closed in 1992 and all traces of the carriageway were removed by the end of the millennium.
What is even happening with Christmas films anymore? What the hell am I watching?
December 6, 2025 at 10:10 PM
What is even happening with Christmas films anymore? What the hell am I watching?
Henry Wallis’ dramatic 1856 painting “Chatterton” depicts the 1770 suicide of Bristol “boy poet” Thomas Chatterton, aged only 17. His tragic end coupled with his florid, gothic poetry appealed to the Victorians especially. He’s often hailed as one of Bristol’s most significant writers.
December 6, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Henry Wallis’ dramatic 1856 painting “Chatterton” depicts the 1770 suicide of Bristol “boy poet” Thomas Chatterton, aged only 17. His tragic end coupled with his florid, gothic poetry appealed to the Victorians especially. He’s often hailed as one of Bristol’s most significant writers.
In 1714 a man living on Baldwin Street found an enormous, black cobweb in his garden, measuring 34 foot/10 metres across. Fascinated locals paid to cut off pieces to take home and fearful word soon spread that a giant spider was lose in Bristol. No explanation was ever found.
December 5, 2025 at 8:15 PM
In 1714 a man living on Baldwin Street found an enormous, black cobweb in his garden, measuring 34 foot/10 metres across. Fascinated locals paid to cut off pieces to take home and fearful word soon spread that a giant spider was lose in Bristol. No explanation was ever found.
Edward Thatch/Teach (AKA the pirate Blackbeard) was born in Redcliffe, Bristol around 1680.
Despite his fearsome reputation, Blackbeard ran his ship as a democracy and tried to avoid violence whenever possible.
He is probably the second most famous Bristolian in history (after Cary Grant).
Despite his fearsome reputation, Blackbeard ran his ship as a democracy and tried to avoid violence whenever possible.
He is probably the second most famous Bristolian in history (after Cary Grant).
December 4, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Edward Thatch/Teach (AKA the pirate Blackbeard) was born in Redcliffe, Bristol around 1680.
Despite his fearsome reputation, Blackbeard ran his ship as a democracy and tried to avoid violence whenever possible.
He is probably the second most famous Bristolian in history (after Cary Grant).
Despite his fearsome reputation, Blackbeard ran his ship as a democracy and tried to avoid violence whenever possible.
He is probably the second most famous Bristolian in history (after Cary Grant).
In 1845, in a bakery near this spot in Broadmead, baker Henry Jones invented self-raising flour.
His patented recipe of flour, baking soda and salt was initially intended for sailors so that they could bake bread whilst at sea without the need for yeast.
1/3
His patented recipe of flour, baking soda and salt was initially intended for sailors so that they could bake bread whilst at sea without the need for yeast.
1/3
December 3, 2025 at 8:23 PM
In 1845, in a bakery near this spot in Broadmead, baker Henry Jones invented self-raising flour.
His patented recipe of flour, baking soda and salt was initially intended for sailors so that they could bake bread whilst at sea without the need for yeast.
1/3
His patented recipe of flour, baking soda and salt was initially intended for sailors so that they could bake bread whilst at sea without the need for yeast.
1/3
WHERE AM I WEDNESDAY
December 3, 2025 at 11:29 AM
WHERE AM I WEDNESDAY
Reposted by Weird Bristol
WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME features 100 tales from Bristol’s criminal past - including the shocking tale of the murder of William Rowe.
When Russell Pascoe (along with his accomplice Dennis Whitty) was found guilty of Rowe’s murder, he became the last person to be executed in Bristol.
Link in profile
When Russell Pascoe (along with his accomplice Dennis Whitty) was found guilty of Rowe’s murder, he became the last person to be executed in Bristol.
Link in profile
December 1, 2025 at 9:07 AM
WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME features 100 tales from Bristol’s criminal past - including the shocking tale of the murder of William Rowe.
When Russell Pascoe (along with his accomplice Dennis Whitty) was found guilty of Rowe’s murder, he became the last person to be executed in Bristol.
Link in profile
When Russell Pascoe (along with his accomplice Dennis Whitty) was found guilty of Rowe’s murder, he became the last person to be executed in Bristol.
Link in profile
According to local legend, this building near Horseshoe Bend in the Avon is the scene of a morbid tragedy.
In the 18th century, two star crossed lovers from rival families were imprisoned by their parents in the rooms at either end of the structure and forced to watch each other starve to death.
1/2
In the 18th century, two star crossed lovers from rival families were imprisoned by their parents in the rooms at either end of the structure and forced to watch each other starve to death.
1/2
December 2, 2025 at 8:04 PM
According to local legend, this building near Horseshoe Bend in the Avon is the scene of a morbid tragedy.
In the 18th century, two star crossed lovers from rival families were imprisoned by their parents in the rooms at either end of the structure and forced to watch each other starve to death.
1/2
In the 18th century, two star crossed lovers from rival families were imprisoned by their parents in the rooms at either end of the structure and forced to watch each other starve to death.
1/2
Reposted by Weird Bristol
Meet the Leading Ladies of Cosy Crime!🔎Join bestselling authors Debbie Young, Frances Evesham & Jean Burnett for #murder & #mystery.
Hear them reveal secrets to Jayne Chard at #Shirehampton #Library, Thurs 11 Dec, 2:30pm.
No booking required! #FREE.
#CosyMystery #Bristol @weirdbristol.bsky.social
Hear them reveal secrets to Jayne Chard at #Shirehampton #Library, Thurs 11 Dec, 2:30pm.
No booking required! #FREE.
#CosyMystery #Bristol @weirdbristol.bsky.social
December 2, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Meet the Leading Ladies of Cosy Crime!🔎Join bestselling authors Debbie Young, Frances Evesham & Jean Burnett for #murder & #mystery.
Hear them reveal secrets to Jayne Chard at #Shirehampton #Library, Thurs 11 Dec, 2:30pm.
No booking required! #FREE.
#CosyMystery #Bristol @weirdbristol.bsky.social
Hear them reveal secrets to Jayne Chard at #Shirehampton #Library, Thurs 11 Dec, 2:30pm.
No booking required! #FREE.
#CosyMystery #Bristol @weirdbristol.bsky.social
Reposted by Weird Bristol
A good call on the part of @weirdbristol.bsky.social in his latest non-fiction outing
December 1, 2025 at 10:34 PM
A good call on the part of @weirdbristol.bsky.social in his latest non-fiction outing
St Edyth’s Church, Sea Mills opened in 1924 and was designed by Bristolian architect George Oatley (best known for designing the Wills Memorial Building).
The church is not named after a saint, it is instead named after Lady Edyth Lennard, who donated the land on which the church was built.
The church is not named after a saint, it is instead named after Lady Edyth Lennard, who donated the land on which the church was built.
December 1, 2025 at 8:51 PM
St Edyth’s Church, Sea Mills opened in 1924 and was designed by Bristolian architect George Oatley (best known for designing the Wills Memorial Building).
The church is not named after a saint, it is instead named after Lady Edyth Lennard, who donated the land on which the church was built.
The church is not named after a saint, it is instead named after Lady Edyth Lennard, who donated the land on which the church was built.
WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME features 100 tales from Bristol’s criminal past - including the shocking tale of the murder of William Rowe.
When Russell Pascoe (along with his accomplice Dennis Whitty) was found guilty of Rowe’s murder, he became the last person to be executed in Bristol.
Link in profile
When Russell Pascoe (along with his accomplice Dennis Whitty) was found guilty of Rowe’s murder, he became the last person to be executed in Bristol.
Link in profile
December 1, 2025 at 9:07 AM
WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME features 100 tales from Bristol’s criminal past - including the shocking tale of the murder of William Rowe.
When Russell Pascoe (along with his accomplice Dennis Whitty) was found guilty of Rowe’s murder, he became the last person to be executed in Bristol.
Link in profile
When Russell Pascoe (along with his accomplice Dennis Whitty) was found guilty of Rowe’s murder, he became the last person to be executed in Bristol.
Link in profile
The charming and picturesque village of Pill, on the North Somerset banks of the Avon has a long and noble history, including being home to many centuries of skilled boat pilots. However, John Wesley - the founder of Methodism - was less impressed when, in 1755 he wrote:
1/2
1/2
November 30, 2025 at 7:52 PM
The charming and picturesque village of Pill, on the North Somerset banks of the Avon has a long and noble history, including being home to many centuries of skilled boat pilots. However, John Wesley - the founder of Methodism - was less impressed when, in 1755 he wrote:
1/2
1/2
Bristol Cathedral is rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a grey monk. The phantom is seen in the walkway by the library and is almost only witnessed between 4-4.30pm. He’s also said to take the occasional stroll onto College Green and through the wall to the Central Library.
November 29, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Bristol Cathedral is rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a grey monk. The phantom is seen in the walkway by the library and is almost only witnessed between 4-4.30pm. He’s also said to take the occasional stroll onto College Green and through the wall to the Central Library.
Reposted by Weird Bristol
In 1923 Louisa Cooper and her son George invited friends to a Christmas party at their house.
The guests had no idea they were dancing on the grave of a murdered man - buried beneath the floorboards.
Read the full story of the Brislington Axe Murder in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME.
Link in profile
The guests had no idea they were dancing on the grave of a murdered man - buried beneath the floorboards.
Read the full story of the Brislington Axe Murder in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME.
Link in profile
November 28, 2025 at 8:12 AM
In 1923 Louisa Cooper and her son George invited friends to a Christmas party at their house.
The guests had no idea they were dancing on the grave of a murdered man - buried beneath the floorboards.
Read the full story of the Brislington Axe Murder in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME.
Link in profile
The guests had no idea they were dancing on the grave of a murdered man - buried beneath the floorboards.
Read the full story of the Brislington Axe Murder in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME.
Link in profile
In 1984 the Arnolfini and the Bristol Ferry “Margaret” were featured on a stamp which celebrated the urban renewal the city had undergone in the years since harbour closed as a working dock.
November 28, 2025 at 7:52 PM
In 1984 the Arnolfini and the Bristol Ferry “Margaret” were featured on a stamp which celebrated the urban renewal the city had undergone in the years since harbour closed as a working dock.
In 1923 Louisa Cooper and her son George invited friends to a Christmas party at their house.
The guests had no idea they were dancing on the grave of a murdered man - buried beneath the floorboards.
Read the full story of the Brislington Axe Murder in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME.
Link in profile
The guests had no idea they were dancing on the grave of a murdered man - buried beneath the floorboards.
Read the full story of the Brislington Axe Murder in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME.
Link in profile
November 28, 2025 at 8:12 AM
In 1923 Louisa Cooper and her son George invited friends to a Christmas party at their house.
The guests had no idea they were dancing on the grave of a murdered man - buried beneath the floorboards.
Read the full story of the Brislington Axe Murder in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME.
Link in profile
The guests had no idea they were dancing on the grave of a murdered man - buried beneath the floorboards.
Read the full story of the Brislington Axe Murder in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME.
Link in profile
Badminton School has been located on Westbury Rd, Westbury-on-Trym since 1924 (and was established in Clifton in 1858).
Former pupils of the girls’ boarding school include writer Iris Murdoch, actor Rosamund Pike and India’s first female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.
Former pupils of the girls’ boarding school include writer Iris Murdoch, actor Rosamund Pike and India’s first female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.
November 27, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Badminton School has been located on Westbury Rd, Westbury-on-Trym since 1924 (and was established in Clifton in 1858).
Former pupils of the girls’ boarding school include writer Iris Murdoch, actor Rosamund Pike and India’s first female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.
Former pupils of the girls’ boarding school include writer Iris Murdoch, actor Rosamund Pike and India’s first female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.
Reposted by Weird Bristol
In 1841, Martha Shedden was brutally murdered in her own home - causing fear and outrage throughout Bristol.
The crime was never solved.
Read the shocking, mysterious tale which became known as the “Horfield Horror” in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME - available now.
Link in profile.
The crime was never solved.
Read the shocking, mysterious tale which became known as the “Horfield Horror” in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME - available now.
Link in profile.
November 25, 2025 at 9:49 AM
In 1841, Martha Shedden was brutally murdered in her own home - causing fear and outrage throughout Bristol.
The crime was never solved.
Read the shocking, mysterious tale which became known as the “Horfield Horror” in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME - available now.
Link in profile.
The crime was never solved.
Read the shocking, mysterious tale which became known as the “Horfield Horror” in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME - available now.
Link in profile.
Reposted by Weird Bristol
In 2002, twelve vaulted chambers up to 36 ft deep were discovered inside the Leigh Woods abutment of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the 110ft landmark built by #Brunel between 1836-1840, the first part of the bridge to be completed. I explored it a few years ago. #BridgesThursday #Bristol #History
November 27, 2025 at 9:17 AM
In 2002, twelve vaulted chambers up to 36 ft deep were discovered inside the Leigh Woods abutment of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the 110ft landmark built by #Brunel between 1836-1840, the first part of the bridge to be completed. I explored it a few years ago. #BridgesThursday #Bristol #History
This indent along the wall of Leonard’s Lane (just off of Small Street) was caused by centuries of carts bringing their goods to market along the medieval lane and scraping along the bricks on their way. Traders would bring their goods to St Nicholas Market from around the county.
November 26, 2025 at 8:27 PM
This indent along the wall of Leonard’s Lane (just off of Small Street) was caused by centuries of carts bringing their goods to market along the medieval lane and scraping along the bricks on their way. Traders would bring their goods to St Nicholas Market from around the county.
WHERE AM I WEDNESDAY
November 26, 2025 at 2:12 PM
WHERE AM I WEDNESDAY
From 1868 the Bristol and West of England Society for Women’s Suffrage used this house in Clifton as their base for meetings. They were one of the earliest societies campaigning for women’s votes in the country and remained active until suffrage was secured for all women.
November 25, 2025 at 8:03 PM
From 1868 the Bristol and West of England Society for Women’s Suffrage used this house in Clifton as their base for meetings. They were one of the earliest societies campaigning for women’s votes in the country and remained active until suffrage was secured for all women.
In 1841, Martha Shedden was brutally murdered in her own home - causing fear and outrage throughout Bristol.
The crime was never solved.
Read the shocking, mysterious tale which became known as the “Horfield Horror” in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME - available now.
Link in profile.
The crime was never solved.
Read the shocking, mysterious tale which became known as the “Horfield Horror” in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME - available now.
Link in profile.
November 25, 2025 at 9:49 AM
In 1841, Martha Shedden was brutally murdered in her own home - causing fear and outrage throughout Bristol.
The crime was never solved.
Read the shocking, mysterious tale which became known as the “Horfield Horror” in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME - available now.
Link in profile.
The crime was never solved.
Read the shocking, mysterious tale which became known as the “Horfield Horror” in WEIRD BRISTOL: TRUE CRIME - available now.
Link in profile.