News / Mass graves
Mass graves discovered under former hospital
Mass graves have been discovered in the city, revealing a “dark chapter” of Bristol’s history.
During a dig by Cotswold Archaeology at the old Blackberry Hill Hospital site, a “significant number of graves” were unearthed of individuals who are believed to have faced extreme poverty and illness.
The old hospital site was Stapleton Prison in the 18th century, before being converted into Stapleton Workhouse in 1837 that then served as a refuge to the city’s poor.
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Most discovered bodies date back to the time period between 1837 and the late 19th Century, hinting that they were from the workhouse era.
Stapleton Prison housed prisoners of war from Spain, France, Holland and the United States – photo: Cotswold Archaeology
An examination of the burial remains, will help piece together a story about Bristol’s social life that has been less known and less told.
Blackberry Hill Hospital closed down from the site in 2007, and moved to Manor Road – photo: Google
The group said: “Through these burials, we gain a rare insight into how the poorest Bristolians lived and died, offering a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many during the 19th century.
“Scientific analysis is ongoing, with researchers examining the remains to understand more about these individuals’ lives, health, and causes of death.”
“While most of the remains have already been reinterred at the site in specially constructed vaults, ongoing study of selected remains continues to provide new insights.
“A memorial ceremony is planned to accompany the final reburials, ensuring that those who lived and died here are honoured.”
The uncovering of the graves was conducted under a burial license from the Ministry of Justice and a faculty from the Diocese of Bristol, all while making sure that the site’s history was respected.
The full findings of the excavation will be published in 2026.
Main photo: Cotswold Archaeology
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