West Street Coal Mines

Ever wondered why there’s a pub called the Jolly Colliers on West Street? Do you know that the first Bristol Co-op was founded at 88 West Street by miners—who also set up a ‘Gospel tent’ and school on the site of what’s now United Reformed Church?

The Somerset coalfields included the Malago and Argus pits, both of which were located on West Street, more or less where Tesco and Airpoint are now.

The West St BS3 Neighbourhood Group is continuing its local history project supported by BS3 charity Gathering Voices with funding from the National Heritage Lottery. Hundreds of photos and stories can be found on the ‘West Street Stories’ Facebook page. The project, which so far has a small group of local people producing an on-line Storymap and book, will include an illustrated talk by Garry Atterton, a local historian passionate about exploring and sharing the stories of the Bedminster collieries and the miners who worked in them. He’ll also be working with Compass Point schoolchildren to produce artwork which will be exhibited on the street during the autumn.

To book a ticket for the talk contact weststbs3@gmail.com.