Local history

Gordon's Bites

Former Merchants Landing resident Gordon Faulkner made regular local history contributions to Quay Notes, our newsletter no longer published. Affectionately known as ‘Gordon’s Bites’, the articles cover such diverse topics as the ‘Explosion in Bathurst Basin’ and ‘The Redcliffe Tram Line’.  Read Gordon’s fascinating local history contributions by clicking on the images below.

Changing view of the Landing from Guinea Street

Sunday 3rd August 1975
Saturday 19th December 1981
Saturday 8th June 2024

Monochrome images are from Stephen Dowle. 

Historic Aerial Photographs

Britain from Above presents the unique Aerofilms collection of aerial photographs from 1919-1953. Those below show the Merchants Landing area in 1921 and 1934 (click the thumbnails to view a larger image). The website has many more fascinating aerial photographs of the Bristol area.

Prince's Wharf Granaries and the Bristol Harbour Branch Goods Yard, Bristol, 1921
The Bathurst Basin, Queen Square and environs, Bristol, from the south, 1934
Bathurst Parade, the Bathurst Basin, Holms Sand and Gravel Co Ltd and environs, Bristol, 1934
Bathurst Parade, the Bathurst Basin, Holms Sand and Gravel Co Ltd and environs, Bristol, 1934

The recent history of Spike Island

An informed but personal perspective on Spike Island from Pedestrian Diversions. Available only if you accept all our cookies.

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