Like most old towns, Bristol was surrounded by a defensive wall. Already bounded by the two rivers, the relatively small area inside Bristol's walls was originally laid out on four main streets - High Street, Corn Steet, Broad Street and Wine Street - which still exist today. Nine fortified gateways pierced the town wall at intervals.

A circular walk around the Old City of Bristol. The "Walled City Walk" follows the town walls of Norman Bristol. With the walls no longer visible, their route is little understood or used, and the rich architectural heritage of the Old City often goes unnoticed.

Sep 23, 2024 · Scroll through to learn about the oldest streets in Bristol which still remain in the city today and how they have shaped Bristol. 1. Corn Street is one of the four cross streets which met at the Bristol High Cross, the heart of the walled medieval Bristol town.

The town walls of Norman Bristol define today’s Old City. The the Old City of Bristol medieval walls are no longer visible, so their route is little understood or used. This walk follows the route of these walls, returning through the busy heart of the Old City and allows you to enjoy the many fine historic buildings in this area.

Nov 15, 2024 · Those of you who read my previous post, From Brycgstowe to Bristol, will already know that four streets converged at the centre of the medieval town (Wine St, High St, Corn St and Broad St), and at the end of each of these streets was a gate that allowed access into the town through the wall: St. Johns Gate, at the bottom of Broad Street is the ...

Oct 15, 2015 · I have long planned a walk around central Bristol to see the numerous almshouses and I was delighted to discover this wonderful heritage trail around the Old City. It follows the line of the original city walls and starts from Bristol Bridge.

Feb 14, 2025 · Heading down Small Street will take you to the old gate and part of Bristol’s medieval city wall. Here you can pass through the arch under the church of St John in the Wall. Read More: Bristol Street Art – so much more than Banksy

Newgate in Bristol was one of the four main gates of the medieval town, demolished 1766. The name was also used to refer to the associated 'Newgate Gaol', demolished 1820. Newgate is still used as the name for the road that once ran through the gate.

Frome Gate, Aylward's Gate, Blind Gate, Newgate and Pithay Gate. St John's Gateway (shown below) is the only one to survive. Portcullis channels are still visible within the arch.

The medieval city of Bristol was focussed on the high Cross at the crossroads of Corn Street and High Street. Its medieval roots are still visible in the street pattern and hidden lanes, which reflect the lines of the old City walls and indeed the earlier Saxon fortified settlement bounded by St Nicholas Street, Leonard Lane, Bell Lane and ...