Weird Bristol

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.

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.

Did I just make a typo on the word typo?!

I assumed the type was meant to be “took” - that’s how I read it anyway

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Theatres at the time had a poor reputation and it was believed they encouraged vice, crime, drinking and bawdy behaviour. For this reason, playhouses were often built well away from the more respectable, central areas of cities.

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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Thanks very much!

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.

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You certainly don’t have to be an addict or in recovery to join. I’ll be sharing mocktail recipes and posting general stuff about my life post addiction.
I hope you’ll join and spread the word!

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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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Unfortunately there is very little evidence to support this fanciful story.

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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And the answer is:
Temple Meads Railway Station (Platform 11).
Well done if you got this one right!

Actually, my mistake. Platform 11!

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The Rushpool was dug into the hill sometime in the 1880s as a means for the cattle to refresh themselves on their final journey.

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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Bingo! Platform 9 to be exact!

WHERE AM I WEDNESDAY

*apologies. She was floated from her dry dock in 1843, not 1844. The lock expansion was completed in late 1844 and she left Bristol in December of that year.

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.

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...

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...

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.

Thanks very much!

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)

A photo of a resin model of a horrible pseudofox. It's narrow eyes are lizard like and crudely painted. In the place of fangs it sports a full set of humam teeth.

The Christmas Market hax opened.

That means the fox is back