Colin Thomas

Edition 41

Bristol: City of Sanctuary?

Bristol became a City of Sanctuary in 2012 — a promise to welcome those fleeing persecution. But has it lived up to that pledge? Historian Colin Thomas looks back

The Convict Architect and Cotham Conman

40 years ago, the far right in Bristol was faced down with music, pickets and ballots

People's History

Unlocking the cells: Bristol’s history of prison reform

From rioting in 19th century to fighting for prisoner rights in the 1970s, Bristol has a long history of attempted prison reform.

Ideas and Action

Watch: Battling for Bristol – Archives of social justice

People's History

Bringing the fight against apartheid to Bristol

It’s not all strikes and marches: Bristol’s struggle for fun, leisure and knowledge

Our city has a history of politically involved communities who love to walk, sing, and dance. All with a sharp sense of social justice, mind...

An unusual WW1 hero from Bristol

Walter Ayles is an unsung WW1 Bristol hero for unusual reasons. But next year, a century after he defied the authorities, he will finally get the recognition of a blue plaque on his former home in Ashley Down.

The Forgotten Forest Charter

Colin Thomas of the Bristol Radical History Group looks at the age-old battle over British land use

An age old question in Bristol: Elections or direct actions?

130 years ago Bristol workers made a direct challenge to the power structure of the time.