The execution of women for witchcraft was generally by hanging, but Bristol had a brutal reputation for punishment, especially of gay men, so it is not too surprising that women were being burnt to death in the 18th century. This comes from John Latimer’s Annals of Bristol : as the result of a gaol delivery, … Continue reading
Filed under Bristol history …
Devon Shipwreck Preserved
This is from the i paper of 15 August: The remains of a wooden cargo ship wrecked off Devon while plying the trade route that kept Georgian dinner tables laden with port 250 years ago have been given protected status. The timbers of the vessel have been regularly exposed on the sands near Westward Ho! … Continue reading
Sham Execution
This is an event from Bristol in October 1780, an incredibly well organised protest against senior naval officers, and unusual for its lack of violence and drunkenness which the city was so famous for: Thursday afternoon at a stigma on some commanders who have not deserved the high encomiums justly due tot the Lord Cornwallis, … Continue reading
A Child’s Duty and Absenteeism from School
This comes from Joseph Ashby of Tysoe 1859-1919. The account of his school days seems to have been of unremitted tedium, and seemed to have learnt little. But he claimed it was not dull: It was easy to get a beating … Some boys couldn’t get through a day without ‘holding out their hands’ or … Continue reading
Death By Kelpie – or Misadventure
Explanation of kelpie legend Continue reading
Rough Justice
Justice often showed little justice. This is truly horrific. It is also a reminder of The Black Act, whereby property was deemed of more value than human life or injury to humans. This is from John Latimer’s Annals of Bristol for 1755 The Bristol Journal of July 19th records that a soldier, convicted of stealing … Continue reading
Civic Expenses
Bristol Corporation was infamous for spending money on celebrations, and its croneyism. When Manchester debated whether to elect its own MPs they gave corruption in Bristol as a reason not to. This is from Latimer’s Annals of Bristol for 1743: The mind of the Corporation was much exercised about this it by the attempt of … Continue reading
A Terrible Murder
Eighteenth century Bristol had a reputation for punitive punishments, especially against people with unusual lifestyles, such as gays. But here’s one where it’s hard to feel sympathy for the criminals. This is from John Latimer’s Annals of Bristol for 1743: “On the night of 27 October 1743 a order which created great local excitement was … Continue reading
Tired and Emotional Postman
A bit of light relief, showing why the establishment of the Royal Mail by John Palmer, theatre manager, of Bristol, was so welcome. This is from John Latimer’s Annals of Bristol in the 18th century from November 1770: “The London mail did to arrive so soon by several hours as usual on Monday, owing to … Continue reading
6Music and Bristol History
Last weekend the extraordinarily wonderful 6music festival took place in my former home town of Bristol. I didn’t go but I was intrigued by how the various DJs responded to the city. Radcliffe and Maconi seemed pretty well informed about the place and were, like most of their colleagues, keen to visit the boat-venue The … Continue reading
