Ahoy! Exploring life on board a ship during Bristol's maritime heyday

Did you know that Henbury has a fascinating history that tells the story of Bristol's maritime heyday of the 18th Century? In and around the church you will discover the names of many wealthy Bristol families who made their fortunes during the height of the colonial era and the transatlantic slave trade. People like the infamous enslaver Thomas Daniel, the Quaker Harford family who were abolitionists and owned the Blaise Estate and the Southwell family who owned Kings Weston Estate.

Amongst these memorials is one to a man named Sydenahm Teast. He was a shipbuilder who, as well as making ships which were used in the transportation of enslaved Africans, also built privateer ships. A pirate shipbuilder! Come and find out what it was like to work on ships and shipbuilding in the 17th and 18th Century. Discover more about the harsh conditions for enslaved people and crew on these ships as they made their way to colonies around the Caribbean.

Aside from our main theme for the day, there is loads to discover at St Mary’s. Come and explore our heritage and nature trails. Take a guided tour up the bell tower to see superb views all around the area. Visit the LGBT landmark grave of Amelia Edwards, 19th century author and Egyptologist. Discover the unusual memorial to Scipio Africanus; an enslaved African boy who was buried in St Mary’s churchyard in the 18th Century. And of course - enjoy some refreshments and home-made cakes!

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

1000-1300

Location & directions

St Mary's Church, Church Lane, Henbury, Bristol, Bristol, BS10 7QG

Directions:

We would encourage people to come on foot or via bus. There is a bus stop 2 minutes walk from the Church, for the Number 1 bus. If coming by car, thre is limited free on-streeet parking on local roads, or there a paid-for car park 5 minutes walk away at Blaise Castle Estate (approx £2 for 2 hours - please check prices via their website to confirm).

Contact on day:

Jae

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

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