Features / First World War
A forgotten piece of Bristol’s First World War history
A new exhibition chronicles how the site of a mock city including a castle and medieval buildings was created in Bristol and then used to train troops for the First World War.
The exhibition at The New Room in Broadmead is on throughout November to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the war.
It chronicles Bristol’s transition from peacetime to war through the story of the 1914 Bristol International Exhibition which occupied a 32-acre site near Ashton Avenue bridge.
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Clive Burlton, author of Bristol’s Lost City, said that the International Exhibition, nicknamed ‘the white city, was half-trade fair and half-theme park.
Although now largely forgotten, its name lives on with the White City Allotments.
The International Exhibition closed on the outbreak of war and was used as a barracks for soldiers
Burlton said: “It is an incredible story that few Bristolians knew about… What started out as a fun event ended with troops doing drill, learning how to dig trenches and having bayonet practice. I first became aware of it when I saw a photograph of my grandfather Stanley Barnes training for war in front of a castle.
“I tried to find out what castle it was as I knew he was in the Bristol’s Own battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment and I believed he had trained in Bristol.
“It led to uncovering the fascinating story of the Bristol International Exhibition. It is a poignant story as it shows how the country moved from optimism to war in such a short time. It is also incredible to think that trench warfare was practiced here in Bristol.
“It is great to bring the story into the centre of Bristol and put on an exhibition at the New Room, which has been a symbol for peace and the centre of campaigns against injustice over the centuries.”
Clive Burlton will be at The New Room, also known as John Wesley’s Chapel, on Thursday, November 8 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm providing an illustrated talk. The talk and exhibition are free but donations are welcome. To book a place for the talk, please call 0117 926 4740 or email community@newroombristol.org.uk
Photos courtesy of Bristol Archives
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