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.
Tag: World War One
Elmington Manor Farm: 1584-1911
"Elmington Manor Farm is the best-documented farm in the Lower Severn Vale Levels, which is why James Powell chose as his topic 'The Estate Management of Elmington Manor Farm and environs 1066-1950'". From sources in "public archives, planning departments, libraries and museums" Powell looks at the earliest records of the farm, and how it survived to be surveyed by the "Second World War Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries".
‘Mr Toagis’s Stonehenge’
"An exploration of an uncelebrated benchmark in replica 'henge' monuments to mark the tenth anniversary of Clonehenge". From cake to cucumbers, Brian Edwards looks at the history of people creating replicas of the English heritage site, whether this be a re-imagining of the original structure, or a reproduction of their current state. Edwards also touches upon an Orwellian connection to this practice.
A Mystery at the Eleventh Hour
"Of the carefree outings that were possible in 1914, that balmy final Saturday in June witnessed some of the last of a passing age. The following day, Sunday 28 June, is remembered for the assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Duchess Sophie Chotek von Chotkova, the killings in Sarajevo widely regarded as starting the countdown to the Great War. Having stepped out that Saturday wearing white shoes, just over a thousand miles away from the expectant scene of those globally momentous events, Flora Roscoe’s 49 year old husband had uncharacteristically gone missing.In this article, Brian Edwards reopens the book on an unexplained disappearance".
‘In Proud and Loving Remembrance’: The Ashley Down Boys School War Memorial
"The ubiquity of war memorials can lead to them being taken for granted as part of our everyday landscape. Ashley Down Boys School was one of many Bristol schools that memorialised men after the war. The school’s records and the histories of the men who died can be used to examine the motivations behind remembrance, particularly in the decade after the war. By considering the original story of the placing of such a memorial we are able to reconnect to the initial impetus behind such commemorations; the simple desire to remember the sons and brothers lost in the conflict and the need to effect reconciliation with grief so those left behind could carry on with their lives".
Bristol’s War at Sea
This article is about how Bristol's involvement in each of the World Wars affected the atmosphere in the city, especially as a port city it played a key role in proceedings with supply transportation. Furthermore, Byrne emphasises the effect that the German U-Boats had, providing an invisible enemy to be wary of whilst the city played its part in bolstering the war effort.
‘Freedom of Soul’: Bristol and Opposition to the First World War
"In the first decade of the 20th century, the Bristol Socialist Rambling Club had better things to think about than the possibility of world war. On their expeditions, they recorded, tea was ‘partaken of at a pre-arranged beauty spot’, ‘games were participated in’ and a choir‘delighted all by rendering of part songs and glees". Colin Thomas looks at the actions taken by the Left in Bristol in the run-up to World War One, and what paths were taken as the conflict loomed over Bristol.
The Rise and Fall of ISC Chemicals at Avonmouth: The Impact of the Montreal Protocol on CFCs
In this article, Bingham looks at the implementation of the Montreal protocols, and its efforts to phase out chlorofluorocarbons, a key part of the economics of the chemicals part of the Avonmouth munitions plant site. It also explores the impact of one of the most important factors; the 1987 Montreal Protocol which led to the complete phasing out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which had by then become an important part of the economics of the chemicals part of the site. Was it inevitable that the site would close, or did other factors contribute to its demise?
Engineering Work, Politics and Industrial Relations
The research discussed in this article is about 'work, society, and politics with a focus on engineering from the mid-1920s to the mid-1970s. Its starting point is earlier research on the 'labour process' specifically the influence of Taylorism and 'scientific management' in Britain. The broader aim is now to connect what Burawoy called 'the politics of production' with the politics of the wider society. It also deals with some integral research questions and key themes'.
Bristol Association of University Women: The Early Years (1911-1928)
In 1911 a group of women graduates took the important step of forming the first branch in Bristol of the British Federation of University women. In this article, Bardgett looks at the formative years of the organisation, and how different events shaped its attempts to further education, medicine and social work.