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weirdbristol.bsky.social
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
Pinned
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.
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.
November 27, 2025 at 7:59 PM
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.
November 25, 2025 at 9:49 AM
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
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
WHERE AM I WEDNESDAY
November 26, 2025 at 2:12 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.
November 25, 2025 at 8:03 PM
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.
November 25, 2025 at 9:49 AM
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
Reposted by Weird Bristol
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.
November 23, 2025 at 10:38 AM
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.
1/2
November 23, 2025 at 8:24 PM
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.
November 23, 2025 at 10:38 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.
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November 23, 2025 at 10:22 AM
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
Reposted by Weird Bristol
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.
November 21, 2025 at 9:43 AM
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.
November 21, 2025 at 8:18 PM
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.
November 21, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Reposted by Weird Bristol
Last year I published a murder mystery game book WELCOME TO PLUCKLEY GREEN and it sold… ok/reasonably well.
However, in May I received these lovely emails from someone who had enjoyed playing through the book with his daughter and they filled me with pride!
(Emails & pics shared with permission)
November 17, 2025 at 5:02 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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November 20, 2025 at 7:47 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.
1/2
November 19, 2025 at 7:36 PM
WHERE AM I WEDNESDAY
November 19, 2025 at 10:59 AM
The SS Great Britain was launched from her dry dock in 1844 but it was soon discovered that Brunel’s iron masterpiece was too huge to fit through the locks at Cumberland Basin.
As a result, she had to wait in the Floating Harbour for a year while the locks were resized to accommodate her.
November 18, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Reposted by Weird Bristol
Leaving an entire neighbourhood in Bristol with only faith-based school options fundamentally undermines fairness and parental choice. The local community is clear in its opposition. Decision makers should listen. humanists.uk/2025/11/14/r...
Save the last non-faith school in Hotwells, Bristol, from closure, Humanists UK tells DfE
Humanists UK has called on decision makers in Bristol to reject proposals to merge Hotwells Primary School, a school of no religious character, with a Church of England Primary school. If the decision...
humanists.uk
November 17, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Following his 1901 death, this trough on Colston Avenue was installed as a tribute to Cpt R B Nicholetts of the school ship HMS Formidable which taught neglected boys. A lover of animals, Nicholetts wanted a memorial which would offer them his kindness even after his death.
November 17, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Last year I published a murder mystery game book WELCOME TO PLUCKLEY GREEN and it sold… ok/reasonably well.
However, in May I received these lovely emails from someone who had enjoyed playing through the book with his daughter and they filled me with pride!
(Emails & pics shared with permission)
November 17, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Reposted by Weird Bristol
The Christmas Market hax opened.

That means the fox is back
November 17, 2025 at 12:57 AM