The Platinum Line

Tag: Bristol history

  • The seven saints of St. Paul’s Bristol art trail

    The seven saints of St. Paul’s Bristol art trail

    This month millions of people have been forced to flee Ukraine by the Russian invasion and have had to seek sanctuary in a foreign land. As we watch the terrible scenes unfold on our television screens it is important that we reflect on some of the difficulties that they are likely to face and how…

  • Exploring more of Brislington and St. Annes in Bristol

    Exploring more of Brislington and St. Annes in Bristol

    I grew up in Hanham just outside of Bristol. on the north side of the River Avon. As we played in the local woods and on the slag heaps left from centuries of coal mining we looked across to St. Annes on the other side of the river. My husband on the other hand lived…

  • Bristol Open Doors getting the keys to the city

    Bristol Open Doors getting the keys to the city

    Bristol Open doors festival gives both Bristolians and visitors a chance to discover more of the history of our city. For one weekend in September we are allowed to see inside fascinating and quirky buildings that are normally closed to the public. This year I was accepted as a volunteer and was able to appreciate…

  • Discovering Blaise Castle Estate Bristol

    Discovering Blaise Castle Estate Bristol

    Blaise Castle Estate is one of Bristol’s favourite parks. It has a large adventure playground for children, a small outdoor cafe and a free carpark. It also has a huge area of grass and woodland to explore. We visited several times when our children were small but spent most of the time near the playground.…

  • Glenside hospital museum a new use for an old chapel

    Glenside hospital museum a new use for an old chapel

    People find all sorts of unexpected uses for deconsecrated churches and chapels.  One Bristol church is even used as an indoor climbing centre.   But today I would like to take you through this door. You might find some surprises. Glenside Campus is now part of the University of the West of England. It provides training…

  • Visiting St. Nicholas Market in Bristol

    Visiting St. Nicholas Market in Bristol

    In England, non-essential shops and indoor markets were shut due to the coronavirus pandemic and this gave me the chance to notice doors that would normally be open including these heavy wooden doors with the impressive lion door handles. These days these doors open to reveal the bustling St. Nicholas Market where you can buy…

  • Who was Edward Colston?

    Who was Edward Colston?

    It has been a strange spring here in England. Halfway through March, the country was put into lockdown and we could only leave the house for essential shopping and short periods of exercise. For almost three months I have not been further than I can walk. My google timeline reads 19 miles in March, 19…