Your say / KNowle West
‘I visited the Suspension Bridge for the first time having lived in Bristol my whole life’
It took me 24 years to get here, but as I walked onto the Clifton Suspension Bridge for the first time ever, I felt a strange sense of accomplishment.
Growing up, I had regular sightings of the historic structure from the green hilltops of Knowle West. But until now, I had not actually stepped foot onto it.
And I am not the only one. Many young people from south Bristol have never visited the city’s most famous – and photographed – landmark. But why is that?
is needed now More than ever
Firstly, the city’s atrocious bus system makes getting to the Suspension Bridge a nightmare. And then there’s that people from estates tend to not venture too far from them.
But for me, it was more than that. The structure represented “the best of Bristol”, built by some bloke in a top hat in that posh place called Clifton.
Compare that to Knowle West, which was wrongly presented as the worst of Bristol. So I saw the bridge as a symbol for class and wealth – and sadly something I did not feel worthy of visiting.
For Charlie Watts, one small step for a Bristolian was a giant leap for a Knowle Wester – photo: Martin Booth
That said, I’ve grown proud of Knowle West. I’ve spoken passionately about saving a historic former cinema there, which should be just as important to Bristol as the Suspension Bridge is. Why should it matter where it is?
There’s no denying Bristol has a rich-poor divide. After stepping off the bridge, I took a stroll through the thriving Clifton Village. It was a stark contrast to my local high street, Filwood Broadway, which has been declining for decades (although this could finally be turned around).
I remember my first time visiting the Harbourside as a kid, and being mesmerised by it. But I didn’t realise it was in the same city as my hometown, with how different it is!
Clifton Suspension Bridge can be seen from Knowle West – but many local young people have not visited it – photo: Charlie Watts
There’s a lot more to Bristol than the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Harbourside – and in my eyes south Bristol will always be “proper Bristol”.
Do I feel reaffirmed as a Bristolian for visiting the bridge? Not really. I was much more interested in seeing if I could see Knowle West from it, as I used to do the other way round.
I am glad to have found out what the fuss is about but I will always consider myself as a Knowle Wester first and a Bristolian second, continuing to champion the area through Bristol24/7’s Community Reporter Scheme.
Charlie Watts is the Community Reporters Editor and Knowle West Reporter for Bristol24/7
Main photo: Charlie Watts
Read next:
- Many people from south Bristol have never visited Suspension Bridge
- Rees: ‘The bridge, the Gorge and balloons are not central to my city’s identity’
- ‘Knowle West’s green spaces are some of the best in the city’
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