Bristol Industrial Archaeological Society (BIAS)

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BIAS Projects

It is close to forty years since BIAS was established. In the early days there were many IA sites to explore, excavate, research and restore. Members of the Society were leaders in the field and took the initiative, their exploits being written up in Bulletins and Journals over the years. The scene has now changed dramatically, with many `special interest' groups established to become involved with particular locations, industries or subjects. These groups have developed their own expertise relevant to their chosen topic and have forged links with others with similar interests across the UK and even across the world.
Most of these groups continue to be in need of new volunteers and would welcome help. During recent consultations, some BIAS members have indicated that they would be prepared to play a more active part in such groups. so we have contacted those in our region of which we are aware so that we can feature them in this and future Bulletins. We asked them to give us brief details of their needs and how to make contact. Information on other groups would be welcomed.

Brandy Bottom Colliery

2012 Working parties 10.30 a.m. on We are actively looking for more volunteers to join in the exploration of the site.

News

 We have agreed procedures with English Heritage so will be able to concentrate on clearing fallen stones and bricks and discovering original levels. This has already led to some fascinating finds so why not come along and have a look round even if you don't want to dig.

Last time the new Tie bars were successfully fitted to the horizontal engine house. This will stop the movement threatening the arch of the building.

To avoid any possible problems with falling stones and bricks we have now DESIGNATED THE SITE A HARD HAT AREA. We will have spares available.

Useful Tools :-

Gazeteer

We need help in collecting information for the BIAS survey of our industrial heritage. We want to know about every industrial site which has visible evidence of its past, within the old Avon county area.
Much effort has gone into the development of a database for holding this information and the for providing a method of submitting the information electronically by members. Once the database has been populated, then it is easy to extract the information from it for inclusion in a Gazetteer, and perhaps, later, adding the database on our web site so that it is available to a wider audience. Please collect information either about your own locality or share your knowledge about your special interest. By sharing this activity, it will become a reality. YOUR SOCETY NEEDS YOU.

Please contact Ken Kemp who is co-ordinating the gathering of information: by email on Ken or telephone on 0117 932 3512.
For those without access to computers, we still need your help in visiting sites and reporting on them.

BIAS Gazetteer Sites in New Database at 10/08/2011

Authority Post Code Site Name Submitted by
Banes BA1 Kelston Brass Mill Kemp Ken
Bristol BS1 Central Electric Lighting Station Tucker Alan
Bristol BS1 Redcliffe Glass Cone Tucker Alan
Bristol BS1 The Wool Hall Tucker Alan
Bristol BS2 Barton Hill Wagon WorksEdwards Justin
Bristol BS2 Cheese Lane Shot Tower Tucker Alan
Bristol BS2 Christopher Thomas SoapworksTucker Alan
Bristol BS2 Jacob Street Brewery Tucker Alan
Bristol BS2 Netham Steel Works Tucker Alan
Bristol BS2 St Vincent's Works Tucker Alan
Bristol BS3 Bristol-Congresbury Toll roadTucker Alan
Bristol BS4 Black Castle, Arno's Vale Tucker Alan
Bristol BS4 Brislington Tram Shed Tucker Alan
Bristol BS4 Bristol Commercial Vehicles Tucker Alan
Bristol BS4 Engine Cottage, Brislington Tucker Alan
Bristol BS4 GWR Railway -Birch Wood Kemp Ken
Bristol BS4 Three Lamps Fingerpost Tucker Alan
Bristol BS5 Netham Chemical Works Tucker Alan
N Somerset BS23 Uphill QuarryTucker Alan
S Glos BS15 Conham Sewerage Works Kemp Ken
S Glos BS15 Copper Works Conham Kemp Ken
S Glos BS15 Hanham Pit Kemp Ken
S Glos BS15 Hanham Quarries Kemp Ken
S Glos BS30 Bitton Pin Factory Kemp Ken
S Glos BS30 Dramway California Incline Kemp Ken
S Glos BS30 Dramway Keynsham Rd Kemp Ken
S Glos BS30 Dramway Londonderry Wharf Kemp Ken
S Glos BS30 Dramway Willsbridge Tunnel Kemp Ken
S Glos BS30 Golden Valley Paper Mill Kemp Ken
S Glos BS30 Hat Works Willsbridge Kemp Ken
S Glos BS30 Lynch Pit, Hanham Kemp Ken
S Glos BS30 Old Pit Golden Valley Kemp Ken
S Glos BS30 Painters Pit Kemp Ken
S Glos BS30 Swineford Copper Mill Kemp Ken
S Glos BS30 Swineford Iron Works Kemp Ken
S Glos BS30 Willsbridge Mill Kemp Ken
S Glos BS35 Cossham Hall Hickman Keith
Number of Sites in Database 37

The Avon Valley Railway

If you have an interest in what goes on at Bitton how about changing that interest into something practical, by helping us to turn the dream of returning steam to the whole Avon Valley into fact? Having grown out of the derelict remnants of what was once a proud link between the industrial north and South Coast holiday resorts, the Avon Valley Railway is now one of the major tourist attractions in this area. For the past thirty years of its development it has been operated and supported largely by volunteers - people who have come along and become interested in the railway. And to help the Railway to continue to grow, we need more willing hands to help to maintain the smooth running of what is now a very popular attraction.
There's a wide variety of ways in which you can help, working both indoors and outdoors. Some Volunteers like to get their hands dirty, others don't. Whatever your own preference, there is a variety of jobs to be done. These include everything from administration, marketing and catering, to painting, gardening and engineering. Whether you have any special skills or not - if you have a little spare time to offer us you will be made very welcome. It doesn't matter whether you are looking for an interesting hobbv, the chance to increase your circle of friends or the opportunity to put something back into the community.
Taking that first step to offering your time can be a bit daunting. You might not know anyone, or you may be worried that you'll make a fool of yourself. No-one knows those worries better than a volunteer, which is why we have just asked one of them to take over the role of Volunteer Coordinator.
Roger Newport is working to add to our pool of volunteer helpers and he'd like you to talk to him. Please give Roger a call because he's anxious to hear from you. You can contact him by calling the station on 0117 932 5538. He'll be more than happy to tell you more about volunteering and he can introduce you to the teams who are desperate for you to work with them. He's looking forward to hearing from you very soon.

Bristol Industrial Museum

Although the Museum will be closing on 29th October for conversion into the new Museum of Bristol, there will be a continuing need for volunteers to work upon the exhibits. The steam tug `Mayflower' is due for a major inspection and overhaul, so will be taken out of service for the next year. Work is also starting on the next dock-side crane, No. 32, the 10 ton version. The `Railway Fleet' (if that is the collective term) of locomotives and rolling stock will need continuing maintenance, particularly as the latter have to withstand the elements all year round.
Anyone with reasonable DIY skills will be most welcome, particularly experienced woodworkers and trained electricians who learned their trade when components were a lot more substantial than today's miniaturised electronic devices.
Contact Andy King on 0117 9031569

Clifton Rocks Railway

This prominent feature of pre-war Bristol started life as a cliff railway in 1893, but stopped running in 1934. In 1940 the tunnel was converted to war-time refuge shelters, where local residents came during the severe bombing raids experienced by the City. BBC studios were also created in the tunnel from which many popular programmes were broadcast. The tunnel also housed a barrage balloon maintenance section. It was not finally abandoned by the BBC until 1960.
Currently the adjacent hotel owns the top section while the Council is in possession of the bottom. Volunteers have cleared much rubble so that group visits can be held but there is still more rubble to clear. The areas under the many steps and refuge ledges need to be searched to locate any remaining artefacts, but places like the barrage balloon section, the new tunnel under Sion Hill and the BBC section need to be checked by a professional archaeologists first. In addition to helping on open days and with guided tours, assistance is required in the preparation of the Conservation Plan. This includes checking details of other railways and preparing costings of various solutions. Until the charitable trust is set up, then all funding is raised by donations. We have not decided on what is the best use for the tunnel either, and we need a condition survey to help this decision, so we are not really ready to apply for lottery funding
As can be seen, there are many ways in which volunteers can help. We tend to work on the site on at least one Sunday per month. Please contact Maggie Shapland on 0117 9736653 if you can help in any way. Pictures are being placed on the BIAS web site www.b-i-a-s.org.uk/rocks_railway_refurbishment.html charting progress.

Combe Down stone mines

A large sum of money for the in-filling of the Combe Down stone mine is being granted, although its actual disbursement is subject to all the usual hurdles scattered along the way by governmental authorities.
Amongst the many millions to be available the amount requested for the 'interpretation centre' was supposed to be 'about a million pounds', but this will still have to be justified, like everything else.
It would seem that a proper interpretation and heritage centre on Combe Down could justify the grant of this sort of money. What is properly called for is a major attraction with international appeal, to resound with Bath's normal promotion of itself as a tourist centre of world significance.
It would need to include meaningful access to the mines for visitors, whether tourists or scientists including archaeologists, architects and geologists. The appeal attached to a personal visit to the underground working is so obvious as to need no emphasis. Consider the sewers and catacombs of Paris, the Boves at Arras, Big; Pit in south Wales, the ochre mines in the Forest of Dean, mines, caverns and troglodyte dwellings from the Loire valley to southern Turkey and beyond.
If further evidence of the lure of the subterranean were wanted, consider the case of Combe Down itself. Everyone who has been in any way linked to the negotiations for funding for work on the mines has demanded a site visit at some stage, often before announcing their decision – government ministers, senior civil servants, local councillors and council officers., the chairman of the 'Community Association'.
In default of the lost opportunity for a proper conservation job on the mines, the establishment of an attraction to match or outshine thebaths of Bath and its Georian architecture has to be promoted.

Museum of Bath at Work

The Museum of Bath at Work is concerned with the commercial development of Bath and its immediate surroundings since Roman times and has operated since 1978. With only one member of salaried staff, volunteers have been needed since the beginning to allow the museum to operate. In particular the museum needs help in: Contact: Stuart Burroughs, Director, Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Road, BATH BA1 2RH 01225 318348 or mobaw@hotmaiLcom

The Bristol Fireclay Company

A contributor to the November 2004 issue of 'information', the newsletter of the British Brick Society, has found that the Bristol Fireclay Company supplied the terracotta blocks for the building of an Edwardian Chapel of Ease in Stow Bardolph, west Norfolk. They included some specially designed quoins for the door and window dressings.
The company had its head office at 6 and 7 Castle Street, Bristol, and a works exploiting coal measures shales in Crew's Hole Road. The company went into liquidation in 1910 or 1911, a few years after the building of the chapel at Stow Bardolph.
Does anyone know when the company started operations? Are there other buildings known to have been supplied by the company? Are there any surviving catalogues or pattern books?
Replies to Geoff Sheppard will be passed on to the enquirer, Prof John Allen at School of Human and Environmental Resources, The University of Reading P.O.BOX 227, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AB

De Montalt Mill, Combe Down

After a brief skirmish with the market, the site as a whole has been withdrawn from sale. A new team of consultants has been engaged to study first the stabilisation, and then the refurbishment of the mill.
There is no intention to depart from the existing planning consent with its many conditions.
Bath Archaeological Trust (now called more simply 'Bath Archaeology') continues to be involved with the development, and it is anticipated that BIAS will be kept abreast of affairs
One difference is that one of the old structures, the so-called apprentice store, has been sold separately. For the moment we have no further news of plans for its rebuilding.

Friends of Troopers Hill

Troopers Hill has close links to Bristol's industrial past but is now an important wildlife site with superb views over the Avon Valley. As those of you who came on the walk in August will know, Troopers Hill has two chimneys - one at the top and one at the bottom! Both chimneys are Grade 2 listed, the top one dating (we think) from copper smelting in the 1790s and the lower one from about 1820 as part of Troopers Hill Colliery. Friends of Troopers Hill were formed in 2003 to help look after the site in partnership with Bristol Parks. We organise events on the hill to raise awareness of the site, its wildlife and history. We also try to bring about improvements and have received funding both from the lottery and through landfill tax for new signs, benches and an improved access path. We carry out practical conservation tasks, such as clearing bramble and repairing fences at our regular work parties. These are held on the first Saturday of every month from IOam till 12 noon, they finish with a chat over coffee or tea and biscuits. Everyone is welcome to join in; we have our own tools. For anyone who cannot make weekends, we are hoping to add some weekday dates this winter. If we can recruit sufficient resources we would like to clear some of the woodland to explore the remains of the duct that used to run up the hill to the chimney. The other avenue for volunteers to help us is to carry out research into the history of the hill and the Crews Hole area. We are hoping to get some funding to produce a leaflet on the history of the site and would like to gather as much information as possible. If you are interested in helping, more details about the group, our work and the hill can be found on our website at www.troopers-hill.org.uk or contact Rob or Susan on 0117 947 5037 or via friends@troopers-hill.org.uk.

Radstock Museum

Radstock Museum was founded in 1985 to preserve the social and industrial heritage of the north Somerset coalfield. Staffed by volunteers, the Museum offers its visitors the opportunity to explore various aspects of the lives of the people in our commmunities, their education, religion, places of work and day-to-day lives. At times, volunteers are needed for stewarding, documentation, in the tearoom and to help with our education team. Our prime need at the moment is for someone to add to the labels in the showcases. this would suit someone who would be happy to work on their own and in their own time. Anyone with a few hours to spare each week or every other week would be most welcome to join our friendly group who are eligible for free admission to our slide shows and talks and we have an annual party!

Saltford Brass Mill

The former brass battery mill located on the banks of the River Avon at The Shallows, Saltford is one of the few remaining premises of the thirty or so establishments associated with the extensive eighteenth century brass and copper industry which was centred on the Avon river valley. The site is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument, containing the most complete annealing furnace to survive in the countr,. There is also one working water wheel remaining of the five which provided power for the battery hammers, rolling mills and shears which were once housed in the buildings. Restored from dereliction in the 1980's, the hi11 is maintained by a voluntary Project Group which had its origins in BIAS, a number of current members being part of the Group. Volunteers maintain the fabric and environs of the building, having rebuilt the water wheel and reconstructed part of the annealing furnace over recent times. Regular working parties are held on alternate Saturday mornings when help is needed to continue maintenance and to develop the displays. Members of the Project Group are also on hand to welcome visitors on regular Open Days during the summer months and when organised parties come to view the Mill.
Our Volunteer Co-ordinators are Sheila Hall on 01225 872704 and Joan Day on 0117 9862216
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