The Kingswood History Society

Clive Burlton, a stalwart of the Bristol history community, gave a thoroughly interesting talk on the build of The Matthew. This was to commemorate 500 years of John Cabot’s voyage to Newfoundland in 1497. Indeed, 400 years was celebrated by building of the Cabot Tower and similar in St John’s in Newfoundland. There has been many depictions of the original Matthew. These can be seen on stamps, stain glass windows in St Mary Redcliffe, cigarette cards, paintings, even Royal Doulton…

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Bill Douglas the Great Great Grandson of the founding member of the company gave his usual great insight into the history of this world famous Kingswood manufacturer. However, it did not start in Kingswood but the family moved gradually south from Scotland in the 19th century. Working in the Bristol docks in 1844. A combination of working with push bikes, producing machines for shoe making in Kingswood and working with Joseph Barter’s Light Motors Ltd. eventually lead to the Kingswood…

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Saturday 2nd September 2023 the Kingswood History Society left Kingswood park main gate at 8.30 am to visit the Nothe Fort, Weymouth . The entire visit was sponsored by Quartet which enabled members to enjoy the coach a buffet and entry fee to the Napoleonic coastal Fort situated between Weymouth and Portland not to be confused with Portland Castle. The Fort was built as a defence against Napoleon in case of an invasion of England. There were other Forts built…

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“Oyez, oyez, oyez”, was the cry from Madeleine Bills, the current Mayor for Mangotsfield, her husband also a former Crier for Bristol. Madeleine gave a jovial presentation on a hot night for all. She was dressed in full regalia! She started by outlining why there was a need for a Crier. Many could not read in the past and hence the need, if you wanted to know what was going on. This was not just the only duty of the…

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A reminisce as Mike Hooper took us back up Castle Street and on into Old Market. A great presentation of old photographs mainly before WW2 compared to more current. A great deal of Castle Street being destroyed in the blitz. Castle Street being the main central shopping area for Bristol. In this Street you would of found BHS, M&S, Boots, the Coop but a few. Indeed the Coop was the only main shop to survive. There was good interaction with…

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Steam, Sheds, Sidings and Smoke were the order of the day, as Dave Cheesley gave an atmospheric presentation. Dave took us through many of his boyhood and later memories of this great railway yard, near Lawrence Hill. Many photos were shown presenting the yard from different viewing points, alas nothing remains including the 13 arch Bridge. The yard including the railway Sheds were built in 1873 and closed in 1965. Demolition followed in 1966. It was built to service the…

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Professor Brian Vincent from Bristol University gave a captivating talk to the Kingswood History Society on June 6, 2023. He focused on Butlers Tar Works, founded in 1843 by William Butler under Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s request. The factory produced creosote for preserving wooden sleepers on new railroads. Butlers Tar Works, located in Bristol’s polluted Crew’s Hole area, grew into an international business owned by the Butler family until 1980. They owned Bristol’s first car (AE1) and installed the city’s inaugural…

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Saturday, July 2nd 2022 We arrived at Blist Hill Victorian Museum approx. 10.30 am, the weather was dry with no rain just a bit overcast. We had time to look around a part of the museum before a buffet lunch which was in the large room above the museum’s pub . After lunch we continued to explore what Blist Hill had to offer, which was how life was lived during Queen Victoria’s reign. I would like to thank Chauffeur Hire…

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The Kingswood History Society are delighted to announce that after an extended period of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic we are now back up and running again with a regular programme of events. Please check out our 2021 programme from the drop-down menu above! Dennis Noble (Chairman)