News / Broad Street
New plaque commemorates Polish national hero’s visit to Bristol
Tadeusz Kościuszko was one of the most famous men in the world when he visited Bristol in 1797.
The Polish national hero, freedom fighter and abolitionist played a key role in the American War of Independence, and in movements against serfdom and slavery, being highly admired by the Romantic poets of the time including Lord Byron.
In June 1797, he stayed in Bristol on his way back to the USA; lodging for six days at the White Lion Inn which stood on the corner of Broad Street and Newmarket Avenue.
is needed now More than ever
A plaque to Kościuszko has been unveiled on the site of the former coaching inn which today is a hotel.
In the white and red colours of the Polish flag, it features a quote from Thomas Jefferson, who called Kościuszko “the purest son of liberty I have ever known”.
Bristol’s lord mayor, high sheriff and lord lieutenant all attended the plaque unveiling on Broad Street – photo: Andrew Varney
The plaque was officially unveiled on Tuesday by the lord lieutenant of Bristol, Peaches Golding.
The unveiling was attended by guests from the Polish Cultural Institute in London, including its director, Bartosz Wisniewski, who helped to fund the plaque with Bristol’s Anglo-Polish Society.
Until June 23, there is an exhibition about Kościuszko’s visit to Bristol, and how he was celebrated by the abolitionists and romantics, in the exhibition space on the first floor of Bristol Central Library.
And on Saturday, Dr Stefan Cembrowicz from the Anglo-Polish Society will give a lecture about Kościuszko and his rapturously celebrated visit to Bristol.
Explore along Broad Street and Newmarket Avenue, and discover more hidden corners of Bristol’s Old City and Castle Park, on a walking tour with Bristol24/7 Editor and guidebook writer, Martin Booth. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.yuup.co/experiences/explore-bristol-s-quirkiest-corners
The plaque to Tadeusz Kosciuszko is located on Broad Street – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
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