William Gilbert was a Romantic poet best known for writing ‘The Hurricane’ in 1795. The motivations behind writing the visionary poem can be traced back to Gilbert’s time in an asylum in Hanham, South Gloucestershire. John Henderson, son of the asylum proprietor Richard Henderson, introduced Gilbert to the study of astrology and provided care. Paul Cheshire's article provides an insight into Gilbert’s life in Bristol and his time in the asylum.
Author: cameronh03
Material evidence and slavery in Bristol: The Deverell Leg Iron
Dr. Johnathan Harlow, Professor Johnathan Barry and Dr Michael Whitfield have been investigating what is believed to be a leg iron, on display at the Yale Center for British Art. The iron is engraved with the words ‘Deverall, Cornstreet Bristoll, 1733’. This article explores the provenance of the leg iron to shed light on the activities of the Deverall family, and the presence of enslaved Africans in Bristol.
Elections before the secret ballot: the Bristol Poll Book of 1852
Bristol's last Poll Book was published in 1852. Poll Books include the personal details of voters such as their names, profession and address. Furthermore, these Poll Books can be valuable pieces of historical evidence. Stevens’ article offers a critical study of the 1852 Bristol Poll Book, shedding light on the voting intentions and political views of different parishes, classes, families and professions.
Animals and their People at Bristol’s Historic Zoo
The nineteenth century saw the emergence of zoological gardens around Britain and Europe. Bristol Zoo, formerly Clifton Zoo was the fifth oldest surviving zoo in the world and the oldest outside a capital city. The Zoo became a leisure hotspot for families in the South West of England and had over a million visitors in the early 1960s. However, by the end of the decade, public opinion on zoos had shifted. Holding animals in captivity for public display was perceived to be cruel, resulting in a decline in visitor numbers. Bristol Zoo subsequently reinvented its image. Flack's article focuses on the changing image of Bristol Zoo, notable animals, and its relationship with the city.
William Canynges, Late Merchant of Bristol: Constructing an After-life Before Death
William Canynges (1402-1474) was one of Bristol's wealthiest merchants in the 15th Century, controlling nearly a quarter of shipping at the port of Bristol. Canynges invested a significant amount of his wealth in St Mary Redcliffe Church. He also formed a strong bond with John Carpenter, Bishop of Worcester, who assisted Canynges to prepare him for death. In this article, Burgess investigates William Canynges' spiritual investments in the closing years of his life and their broader social and political implications.