Uncovering the Hidden History of Horfield Common

Last night we swapped wildlife for local history for the latest in our series of guided walks around Horfield Common, kindly led by Andy Buchan of the North Bristol History Society.

It was a fascinating evening, exploring the Common as it is today while imagining the very different landscape that existed here in the past.

Along the way, we discovered the origins and stories behind some of the historic features that still survive, including the Watts Memorial Drinking Fountain and the rather less glamorous Victorian urinal!

Armed with old photographs and maps, Andy helped us picture some of the many farms, barracks, pub buildings and many other features that once occupied land that is now part of the Common. Comparing what we could see around us with photographs of buildings that have long since disappeared really brought the history of the area to life.

We also traced some of the old boundaries of Horfield, discovered that Gloucester Road did not always follow the route we know today, and learnt more about how the land itself was used in the past.

And, of course, there was Horfield Castle. Was there really once a castle on Horfield Common? 

A huge thank you to Andy for giving his time and sharing his knowledge with us. It was a brilliant reminder that there is so much to discover on the Common, whether you are looking at the wildlife around you or the clues to hundreds of years of history beneath your feet.
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Find out more about the North Bristol History Society and their work here: North Bristol History Society