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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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WHERE AM I WEDNESDAY
December 3, 2025 at 11:29 AM
WHERE AM I WEDNESDAY
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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:
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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.
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.
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.
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.
1/2
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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