Wander through Bristol in the 1950s in incredible forgotten photos
Fascinating images show the city in a state of major post-war change
Regeneration was in full swing in Bristol in the 1950s. Buildings that were Blitz-damaged during the Second World War or in a bad state of disrepair were gradually being bulldozed to make way for a new and shiny version of the city.
Our long lost photos from the archives take you on a tour of the city to places that have since changed almost beyond recognition and a few that remain little changed. Take a look and see which places you recognise, and enjoy a little slice of the streets of Bristol in a bygone age.
One of the key buildings featured in our focus on the city in the 1950s is what was then known as the Council House. The foundation stone for this grand new local government HQ on College Green, with its elegant neo-Georgian style curves and twin gilded unicorns on the roof, was laid in 1938, but construction work was delayed by the war.
Read more: Bristol’s first concrete high-rise that dwarfed its neighbours in the 60s
The building was finally completed in 1952 and officially opened by The Queen in 1956. It was renamed City Hall in 2012.
Which of these Bristol locations brings back memories for you? Do let us know in the comments section below.
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College Green, Queen Victoria's statue, and City Hall, Bristol, in the early 1950s
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One of twin gilded unicorns that adorn the roof of the City Hall, Bristol, being hoisted into place in October 1950
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The Crown Restaurant in St Nicholas Market, Bristol in the 1950s. Before the opening of St Philip's fruit and vegetable market in the 1970s this was where the shopkeepers came to buy their produce
(Image: Mirrorpix)3 of 14![Maze Street, Barton Hill, Bristol, showing a bargain shop and pub known as Bottom House in the 1950s]()
Maze Street, Barton Hill, Bristol, showing a bargain shop and pub known as Bottom House in the 1950s
(Image: Mirrorpix)4 of 14![Welsh Back when Bristol's fruit and veg market was held there and large ships were still allowed past Redcliffe Bascule bridge in the 1950s]()
Welsh Back when Bristol's fruit and veg market was held there and large ships were still allowed past Redcliffe Bascule bridge in the 1950s
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