Features / bristol blitz
The trio of businesses in Castle Park before the Blitz still trading in Bristol today
Much of the area that we now know as Castle Park was destroyed on November 24 1940, with the last daylight bombing raid of the Blitz on August 24 1942.
Hundreds of businesses were lost from within Bristol’s main shopping district but a handful still survive today.
One of these is Taylor Brothers, a printers founded in the 1830s which occupied premises at 19 Broad Weir.
is needed now More than ever
After the Luftwaffe hit in 1942, the company rented premises in Philadelphia Street, and were in Wilder Street in St Paul’s until moving to Chapel Way in St Anne’s in 2018.
Taylor Brothers are now based in St Anne’s – photo: Martin Booth
Another fraternal firm, Gyles Brothers sports shop on Whiteladies Road overlooking the Downs, was based at 24 Bridge Street where it was founded in 1894.
The shop still standing at the top of Blackboy Hill was opened in 1906, with four generations of the Gyles family since running the business.
Gyles Brothers was also once based on Bridge Street, a short section of which still survives in Castle Park near Bristol Bridge – photo: Martin Booth
Part of one side of the original High Street still stands between Corn Street and the entrance to St Nick’s Market.
Kemps had an address of 49 High Street. The jewellers founded in 1881 is still trading in Carlton Court in Westbury-on-Trym.
W Kemp & Son jewellers was based on High Street before the war – photo: Kemps
Kemps jewellers is now in Westbury-on-Trym – photo: Martin Booth
This trio are the three Bristol businesses still trading in the city today that, before the Blitz, were based in what is now Castle Park.
Two more have only recently closed.
Habgood Brothers had a scrap metal business on 42 Castle Green opposite Marks & Spencer.
Until a few years ago, they were still trading on the corner of Gas Lane and Freestone Road in St Philip’s, a site which is currently being transformed into student accommodation.
This photo of Habgood Brothers was taken in September 2020, with student accommodation now being built on their former premises – photo: Google
Well known for their three-piece suites, Fred Morgan Furniture occupied two premises on Bridge Street before the Blitz.
The business was still trading on Pigsty Hill midway along Gloucester Road until at least 2008. Flats now occupy the former shop.
Flats now occupy what used to be Fred Morgan on Gloucester Road – photo: Google
Join Martin Booth on a walking tour to discover more about Castle Park and the Old City. For more information and to book, visit www.yuup.co/experiences/explore-bristol-s-quirkiest-corners
Main photo: Taylor Bros
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