Welcome

Welcome to the website of the Barton Hill History Group (BHHG). Since 1983 the BHHG has taken the lead in recording, promoting, gathering and presenting the history of Barton Hill and the surrounding areas of East Bristol. Through countless meetings, presentations, exhibitions and articles, the Group has 'brought the past to life'. The BHHG is seen as one of the most successful, consistent and dynamic history groups in Bristol.

Barton Hill is the name given to the sloping ground that leads down to the marsh at the southern end of Barton Regis.

The area was first mentioned in the Domesday Book when it was inhabited by only a few dozen people. The derivation of Barton Hill is from the old English 'bere-tun' corn farm, outlying grange of barley farm, denoting the demesne farm of Bristol Castle.

In the middle ages several large houses were built here for wealthy Bristol merchants and Barton Hill remained a rural retreat until the early 1800s when its peacefulness was disturbed by the sound of navvies digging the Feeder Canal. Industry flourished along the waterway, notably the Great Western Cotton Factory opened in 1838. The countryside was slowly transformed into a teeming parish of workers as shops, pubs, churches, chapels and schools were established and Barton Hill as we know it was born.

Barton Hill History Group also covers the neighbouring districts of Redfield, Whitehall, Moorfields, Lawrence Hill, Newtown and St. George. The combination of detailed historical research and illuminating memories of these areas has produced compelling history. Many successful presentations have been given on these neighbourhoods including a presentation on St. George Park in association with the St. George History Group.

If you are interested in any of the above or if you have memories of the streets, people, shops, factories, churches etc., please contact us.