Bristol
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Bristol from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Bristol's most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry.
Second World War heavy anti-aircraft battery 590m north e…
City of Bristol
The anti-aircraft battery at Pur Down represents World War II's strategic bombing defense, highlighting Bristol's importance and preserving historical wartime elements.
Former Central Electricity Generating Board HQ (The Pavil…
Bristol
Former regional headquarters of the Central Electricity Generating Board (The Pavilions) designed by Arup Associates in 1975-8.
The park and garden to Brislington House (known as Long F…
Bristol
Early-C19 garden and pleasure grounds, laid out to accompany Brislington House; a purpose-built private lunatic asylum, and site used for therapeutic purposes.
Grave of Amelia Edwards
Bristol
Grave of Amelia Ann Blanford Edwards and her companion Ellen Drew Braysher.
St Anne's Tunnel East Portal (MLN111641)
Bristol
A railway tunnel portal in the Tudor-Gothic style, built c.1836-40 into the hillside under Birchwood Road.
Landscape at the former CEGB Headquarters
Bristol
Landscape of 1975-8 associated with the former CEGB Headquarters designed by Arup Associates with advice from the landscape architect Peter Swann.
Stoke Park
Stoke Park and Cheswick
Stoke Park, developed by Thomas Wright in the 18th century, is a historically significant landscape surrounding a country house, now restored for public use and housing.
Brunel's south entrance lock and swing bridge
Bristol
A lock of 1844-1849 by IK Brunel (gates removed) and later swing bridge (now fixed). A concrete wall and sluices were inserted in the chamber in around 1890.
Brunel House, Attached Front Railings, and Rear Horse Baz…
Bristol
An early-C19 hotel facade with railings and an associated horse bazaar structure to the rear, by R.S. Pope and I.K. Brunel.
Bristol War Room
Bristol
War Room of c1953, established to co-ordinate civil defence in the event of an atomic attack and to protect regional government. Designed by the Ministry of Works.
Royal Victoria Park (Formerly Brentry House)
Bristol
Early-C19 villa grounds, designed in part by Humphry Repton, now public open space.
The Georgian House Attached Front Area Railings and Rear …
Bristol
7 Great George Street is one of a number of five- and three-bay detached houses on the south-east side of Great George Street, built c.1788-90 and shortly afterwards by William Paty, to the...
Oldbury Court
City of Bristol
Oldbury Court is a late 18th-century park designed with advice from Humphry Repton, known for its natural walks and dramatic landscapes. It became a public park in 1937.
Blaise Castle and Hamlet
City of Bristol
Blaise Castle and Hamlet, developed in the 18th and 19th centuries, feature a historic landscape designed by Humphry Repton.
Cumberland Basin walls and associated features including …
Bristol
The stone walls to the basin and locks at the west end of Bristol's Floating Harbour (except to Brunel's Lock, which is separately listed at Grade II*).
Kings Weston House
City of Bristol
Kings Weston House, influenced by Lancelot Brown and Sir John Vanbrugh, showcases a mid to late 18th-century landscape with historical significance, now serving as a public space.
Avon Crescent Substation
Bristol
Electricity substation, 1905-1906, by L G Mouchel of the Hennebique Concrete Company.
Partial remains of Bristol Castle
Bristol
A motte and bailey castle established in the C11 and re-developed in the in the first half of the C12 with a stone keep and defensive walls.
Bust of Samuel Plimsoll
Bristol
Commemorative monument to Samuel Plimsoll (1824-1898), first erected in 1962.
The Mere Bank and flanking ditches
Avonmouth
The Mere Bank and ditches likely originate from medieval flood defences, possibly earlier, serving to reclaim wetlands in the Avon levels, with notable historical significance.
The Former Palace Hotel
Bristol
A hotel, dating from 1869-70, attributed to WH Hawtin for Thomas Morgan.
Roman Catholic Church of St Bernadette
Bristol
A Roman Catholic church of 1967-8 date, built to the designs of James Leask of Kenneth Nealon, Tanner & Partners.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Long Ashton
Suspension bridge across the Avon Gorge, designed 1829-31 by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Begun 1831. Second phase 1836-53. Completed 1860-4 by Sir John Hawkshaw and William Henry Barlow.
Church of St Werburgh
Bristol
The Church of St Werburgh, partially rebuilt in 1879 by John Bevan in a Perpendicular Gothic Revival style, incorporates elements from the medieval church demolished in 1877.
Former Swallow Hotel and attached front entrance balustrades
Bristol
The hotel, built in 1863-8 by WH Hawtin and restored in 1991, features ornate Italianate architecture with symmetrical fronts and detailed classical elements.
Arnos Vale Cemetery
Bristol
A cemetery laid out 1837-40 by the Bristol General Cemetery Company to designs by Charles Underwood, with planting by the Bristol nurserymen James Garraway and Martin Mayes.
Bristol South Baths and Attached Railings and Gates
Bristol
Public baths and attached railings and gates, opened in 1931. Designed by CFW Dening.
Elephant and Giraffe House at Bristol Zoo
Bristol
Elephant and Giraffe House. Built in 1872 in a Tudor Gothic Revival style, and attributed to the architect Charles Hansom.
Park Row Synagogue and Clergy House
Bristol
Park Row Synagogue is the place of worship for the Bristol Hebrew Congregation. It was designed by H.H. Collins and S.C. Fripp, and built in 1870-1 in the Italianate style.
Bet tohorah at Jacob's Wells Road
Bristol
Bet Tohorah in Bristol is a medieval Jewish cleansing house, significant for illuminating medieval Jewish life and burial practices in England.
Church of St James Priory
Bristol
Church, formerly part of the church to St James Priory. Founded in second quarter of C12 as a Benedictine cell, from when the nave survives; tower c1374 that was raised in C15.
Sheldon Bush and Patent Shot Company Limited
Bristol
Designed by E.N. Underwood, the 1969 Cheese Lane Tower is a unique 20th-century lead shot tower, replacing the original 1782 William Watts tower.
138-142 (even) York Road
Bristol
Three houses built in 1823, originally forming part of a terrace of fifteen houses.
St Anne's Tunnel West Portal (MLN111648)
Bristol
A tunnel portal in the Neo-Norman style, with a round arch, set in the hillside under Birchwood Road, erected c.1836-40.
Goldney House
Bristol
Goldney House, dating from the mid-1720s, features a historical garden with a grotto and bastion overlooking the River Avon. It reflects Bristol's rich Quaker merchant legacy.
Lakeshore, the former Wills Tobacco Headquarters
Bristol
Former headquarters and amenities for the adjacent Wills cigarette factory, now demolished, set in a landscaped site astride a lake. The remaining building was converted to flats circa 2007.
Bristol through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Bristol changes over time.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Bristol
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground.
Bristol
Baldwin Street, Bristol Bridge and the city centre, Bristol, 1934
Bristol
Baldwin Street and environs, Bristol, 1953
Bristol
The University of Bristol and environs, Bristol, 1933
Bristol
Tyndall's Park and Kingsdown, Bristol, 1948
Clifton
Clifton College, Clifton, 1921
Clifton
Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, 1935
Bristol
Bristol Cathedral and Brandon Hill with the Cabot Tower, 1920
Bristol
City Hall and environs, Bristol, 1953
Bristol
Fry's Cocoa Manufactory on Union Street and environs, Bristol, 1921
Bristol
The city centre, Bristol, 1938
Bristol in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Bristol's past.
Charles George Harper Collection
City Of Bristol
Date created: 1892 - 1933
A view from the south-east of St Mary Redcliffe Church, with people on the street in the foreground
Eric de Mare
Bristol, City Of Bristol, City Of Bristol
Date created: 1945 - 1980
General view of the Dame Mary Maynton Monument in St Mark's Church.
John Gay Collection: Counties
City Of Bristol
Date created: Jul 1958
A schoolboy sits outside the Fordson Farming stand at the Royal Show, Bristol, reading the programme
John Laing Collection
Hartcliffe, City Of Bristol
Date created: 30 Nov 1952
A woman with children posed alongside the Lord Mayor of Bristol and Lady Mayoress at the opening ceremony of the 3000th Easiform flat in Bristol
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
City Of Bristol
Date created: 31 May 1922
The south front of the 12th century Great Gatehouse
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Redland, City Of Bristol, City Of Bristol
Date created: 1902 - 1907
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING LOVERS WALK
Eric de Mare
City Of Bristol
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Exterior view of Kings Weston House in Bristol showing the main front. The house was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh for Edward Southwell circa 1710.
John Gay Collection: Counties
City Of Bristol
Date created: Jul 1958
A schoolboy sits outside the Fordson Farming stand at the Royal Show, Bristol, reading the programme
John Laing Collection
Hartcliffe, City Of Bristol
Date created: 30 Nov 1952
A crowd gathered outside a block of Easiform flats at Hareclive Road, including the 3000th Easiform dwelling to be completed in Bristol, on the day of...
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Clifton Park, City Of Bristol, City Of Bristol
Date created: 1904 - 1909
GENERAL VIEW ALONG CLIFTON PROMENADE
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Bristol.
The 12 Pubs of Christmas
Mentions The Sugar Loaf Public House
Explore the hidden histories of listed pubs with a festive theme.
A Brief Introduction to the History of the Railway in England
Mentions The Exchange
Discover when the first steam train was invented in England, and when the world's first public railway opened in Stockton and Darlington in 1825.
The Life and Works of Visionary Engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel
Mentions Temple Meads Station, Great Western Dry Dock
Discover the bridges, structures and ships that Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed, including the Great Western Railway and Clifton Suspension Bridge.
7 Serene Cemeteries to Visit in England
Mentions Arnos Vale Cemetery, Chhatri containing the tomb of Rammohun Roy
These graveyards can offer space for quiet reflection or a peaceful walk.
5 Art Nouveau Buildings in England
Mentions Former Everard's Printing Works
Explore some of England’s beautiful Art Nouveau buildings featuring flowing lines and floral designs.
6 Inspirational Women Engineers from History
Mentions Clifton Suspension Bridge
These pioneering women led the way in making engineering a career choice for all women.
10 Accessible Historic Places to Visit
Mentions Royal West of England Academy
Here we look at some listed places that have creatively improved their accessibility.
8 of England’s Most Beautiful Cathedrals to Visit
Mentions Cathedral Church of SS Peter and Paul
From Norman to Modernist, there are many different architectural styles on show in England’s cathedrals.
Lifting the Curtain: Theatre Then and Now
Mentions The Theatre Royal
British theatre originated in the medieval era, with a strongly religious influence.
Where to Find Byzantine Architecture in England
Mentions The Granary and Attached Area Walls
Byzantium made an unexpected mark in the 19th-century as part of a mini-revival across Europe. Here’s where you can find examples in England.
9 Luxurious Listed Loos
Mentions Public Urinal
Our public facilities embody a proud civic heritage of social responsibility, as well as changing attitudes to public health and cleanliness.
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Listed Building
Mentions Bristol South Baths and Attached Railings and Gates
These are the listed buildings cunningly woven into the world of TV series ‘Sherlock’
17 Remarkable Historic Places Listed in 2024
Mentions Broadmead Baptist Church
Celebrating 17 historic gems that were examined, protected and added to the National Heritage List for England in 2024.
Southend-on-Sea Civic Fountain Listed
Mentions Cathedral Church of SS Peter and Paul
The Civic Fountain in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, has been listed at Grade II by DCMS on the advice of Historic England.
Grant Awarded for Emergency Repairs to Jacobs Wells Baths in Bristol
Mentions Hotwells Public Baths
A Historic England grant of £56,895 has been awarded to support emergency works to Grade II listed Jacobs Wells Baths in Hotwells, Bristol.
16 Remarkable Historic Places Listed in 2023
Mentions Cumberland Basin walls and associated features, Brunel's south entrance lock and swing bridge
Take a closer look at the historic gems that were examined, protected and added to the National Heritage List for England in 2023.
Early Electricity Substation in Bristol is Listed
Mentions Avon Crescent Substation, Brunel's swing bridge alongside north entrance lock, Brunel's south entrance lock and swing bridge
An unusual example of an early municipal electricity building is listed at Grade II following Historic England's review of historic structures and...
New Interactive Centenary Map of UK Buildings and Places That Have Defined the BBC
Mentions Broadcasting House
Launched by Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, Historic Environment Division, Northern Ireland Communities Department and Cadw.
Black British History Highlighted by New Listings and Amendments on the National Heritage List for England
Mentions Statue of Alfred Fagon, 6 and 7 Christmas Steps
Two new listings and three amendments to existing listings announced to mark Black History Month 2022.
Public Call-out Uncovers England’s Secret and Unknown Memorials
Mentions Grave of Mary Carpenter
Hundreds of nominations received as public share their knowledge of local monuments, street shrines and community tributes.
Places With Queer Histories Listed to Mark 50th Anniversary of the Partial Decriminalisation of Homosexuality
Mentions Clifton Hill House and Attached Front Walls
The two new listings come ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act 1967.
Bristol's social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area.
Wooden crates with bottles of plasma, Army Blood Supply Depot, Southmead Hospital, Southmead Road, Bristol
Period: World War Two (1939 - 1945)
Wooden crates with bottles of plasma at the entrance to a store room.
Wooden crates with bottles of plasma, Army Blood Supply Depot, Southmead Hospital, Southmead Road, Bristol
Wills Number 1 Factory, East Street, Bedminster, Bristol
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The entrance block of Wills No.1 Factory. It was designed in the 1880s by Sir Frank Wills. W.D. & H.O.
Wills Number 1 Factory, East Street, Bedminster, Bristol
Western House, Cotham Road, Bristol
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
This building was built in 1905-6 as a Congregationalist college known as Western college.
Western House, Cotham Road, Bristol
West Gate, Colston Avenue, Bristol
Period: 1930s (1930 - 1938)
West Gate was originally known as Electricity House. The offices were built for the electric company in 1938.
West Gate, Colston Avenue, Bristol
Welsh Back Granary, Bristol
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This granary was built in 1839. It is the finest surviving example of the 19th-century Bristol warehouse style known as Bristol Byzantine.
Welsh Back Granary, Bristol
WCA Warehouse, Redcliff Backs, Bristol
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
The WCA Warehouse was designed by WA Brown in 1909-12. It was built with a reinforced concrete frame with blue and red brick facing.
WCA Warehouse, Redcliff Backs, Bristol
Victoria Rooms, Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The Victoria Rooms were built in 1839 - 1841 as assembly rooms and a concert hall. The architect was Charles Dyer.
Victoria Rooms, Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol
University Tower and Wills Memorial Building, Queens Road, Bristol
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
The University building was constructed in 1914-25 .
University Tower and Wills Memorial Building, Queens Road, Bristol
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