People’s History

Image of former Bristol police chief John Henderson Watson surrounded by his constables

People's History

The Bristol police chief embroiled in corruption who died with a razor in his hand

John Henderson Watson had a long and distinguished police career and was Bristol’s chief constable for 14 years – before his career ended in scandal and his disappearance.

Listen: Sabrina, goddess of the River Severn

‘Ordinary people do extraordinary things’: exploring Caribbean history with director Tony T

People's History

A history of Bristol’s healthcare for the working classes

It's a myth that there was little or no access to free medical care before the establishment of the NHS in 1948 – but progress was slow, unequal and sometimes grisly.

Bristol History Podcast

Bristol History Podcast: Bristol and the 1918 ‘Spanish’ Flu Pandemic

Edition 21

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

Bristol History Podcast: Everyday Life in the Early Modern West Country

how much do we know about what life was like for the ordinary men and women living under Henry VIII's rule?

Bristol History Podcast: Natural History of the West Country

This week I met with Joe McSorley of the Avon Wildlife Trust to discuss the natural history of the West Country – from the earliest...

Bristol History Podcast: Bristol University and its Historians

This week I met with Dr. John Reeks to discuss Bristol University and its historians. The university was founded in 1909 and dominates much of...

Bristol History Podcast: Bristol’s Overseas Trade

Bristol was born as a trading hub. We look at the history of the city's overseas trade, from its foundation to present day.

Bristol History Podcast // ‘Out of the Comfort Zone: From Bristol to Massive Attack.’

This week I met with author and journalist Melissa Chemam to discuss her book 'Out of the Comfort Zone: From Bristol to Massive Attack.'

Bristol History Podcast // Benjamin Dickson in Conversation

Author on his graphic novel about a family struggling to come to terms with life following the end of the Second World War.