Back in the 1950s, Bristol underwent a major change. Whole streets were demolished to make way for the new, with residents appreciating the fresh new look to replace the worn-out and bomb-damaged buildings.
The streets in the city centre had been extensively damaged during The Blitz. However, the rejuvenation project also meant the loss of a close-knit community.
While the city couldn’t wait for the arrival of big-name stores such as Marks & Spencer, Woolworths and C&A, some would reminisce about the old streets where everyone knew everyone else’s business.
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The wrecking ball arrived with force, demolishing whole buildings, becoming the city Bristolians know today. Residents were moved to the outskirts of the city into modern homes with only tinges of regret for what they left behind.
We unearthed some old photos of Bristol before all the changes, well before the shiny new shopping centres like The Galleries (1991) and Cabot Circus (2008) arrived. The streets pictured include Ellbroad Street, Tower Lane, Castle Mill Street, Narrow Weir and Milk Street – another world from over half a century ago.
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This article was first published in July 2023 and was republished in July 2024.
The Old Crown pub, Broad Weir, 1953.
(Image: Bristol Post)The Rising Sun pub, Lower Castle Street, 1953.
(Image: Bristol Post)Pedestrians amongst the blitzed remains of Union Street Broadmead, Bristol.
(Image: Bristol Post)The bottom of Union Street, or “Lower Union Street” as it was here in 1954. The Haymarket Inn would soon be gone.
(Image: Bristol Post)Penn Street being laid out, 1957. The gaps in the buildings are due to enemy action, and demolition men would do the rest. The Whitefield Tabernacle, dating back to 1753, would not survive for long after its 200th birthday. The same view nowadays would be of the northern side of Penn Street, looking at a big Cabot Circus fashion shop.
(Image: Bristol Post)The Crown & Cushion, Milk Street, 1954.
(Image: Bristol Post)Two houses in Barton Street, 1957, demolished 1960. The site is now a modern office block immediately north-west of the Bearpit.
(Image: Bristol Post)Broadmead,1954. Fred Morgan’s furniture shop would soon be demolished to make way for one of the earliest stages in the new development. The buildings to the right of the picture are now part of the Galleries complex.
(Image: Bristol Post)This spot is nowadays on the edge of Castle Park, facing the entrance to the Galleries car park. The premises were previously occupied by photographer Fred Little. Before that, this impressive building was St Peter’s School. By 1937 it was also the parish hall for the nearby St Peter’s Church, which of course was lost in the Blitz.
(Image: Bristol Post)300-year-old blacksmith’s shop, Old King Street, July 1953. Soon to be demolished.
(Image: Bristol Post)Broadmead, 1952. Bruton’s piano shop has a sale on “due to compulsory relocation”. The same view today is towards the circular area in the middle of the shopping area
(Image: Bristol Post)