A History of Arno's Court Park
by Ken Taylor
This 20-page A4 booklet is illustrated in colour and b&w with old pictures, maps, and photographs. It was written to help raise awareness of the heritage of Arno's Court Park, and was launched at the APAG Fun Day on 8th July 2007.
Following an introduction by Becky Thoburn (APAG Chair), the geology of the park is briefly described, and the story continues with the earliest inhabitants of the Stone Age whose flint tools have been found nearby. Likewise Bronze and Iron Age occupation in the area is discussed, as is Brislington Villa and the possibility of a lost Roman road in the vicinity.
The name 'Brislington' is Saxon, and the Domesday book offers an insight into life nearly a millennium ago. There are a few scattered references of land ownership in the medieval period and subsequent centuries, but the story of the park really begins with the purchase of the land from the Lord of the Brislington Manor by a private family in the 17th century.
The 18th century saw the erection of the elegant building that is now the entrance to Arnos Manor Hotel, and some features of its landscaped estate are still in evidence in today's park. Arnos Court, as it was called, ceased to be a private home in the mid 19th century when it became a convent, later becoming a reformatory school for penitent women.
A comparison of maps from 1887 and the present day shows the reader that much of what we see in the park today was already established at that time. The point is further illustrated by the comparison of a photograph taken 100 years ago with a modern view.
The area was repeatedly bombed in the Second World War, and were it not for this, the convent might still be in place. However, all the residents were evacuated, and the premises sold to Bristol City Council in 1948. Then, in 1960, the buildings were sold separately, and the parkland was opened to the public.
Read a sample here.
Availability
Ken Taylor
Copies of this booklet have been presented to the Reference Library, College Green, Bristol, and Wick Road Library in Brislington. Wick Road Library also has a limited number of copies that are available for members of the general public to keep, and staff will convey donations to APAG to help improve the park's environment and facilities for all to enjoy.
Please share...
If you have particular memories of the park, or memorabilia such as photographs or newspaper clippings relating to events at Arno's Court Park, please share them with us by emailing info@arnospark.org.uk.
Acknowledgements
Photograph of Ken Taylor taken by Adrian Good.
The booklet "A History of Arno's Court Park" was produced with the support of Bristol Parks, Bristol City Council.
Following an introduction by Becky Thoburn (APAG Chair), the geology of the park is briefly described, and the story continues with the earliest inhabitants of the Stone Age whose flint tools have been found nearby. Likewise Bronze and Iron Age occupation in the area is discussed, as is Brislington Villa and the possibility of a lost Roman road in the vicinity.
The name 'Brislington' is Saxon, and the Domesday book offers an insight into life nearly a millennium ago. There are a few scattered references of land ownership in the medieval period and subsequent centuries, but the story of the park really begins with the purchase of the land from the Lord of the Brislington Manor by a private family in the 17th century.
The 18th century saw the erection of the elegant building that is now the entrance to Arnos Manor Hotel, and some features of its landscaped estate are still in evidence in today's park. Arnos Court, as it was called, ceased to be a private home in the mid 19th century when it became a convent, later becoming a reformatory school for penitent women.
A comparison of maps from 1887 and the present day shows the reader that much of what we see in the park today was already established at that time. The point is further illustrated by the comparison of a photograph taken 100 years ago with a modern view.
The area was repeatedly bombed in the Second World War, and were it not for this, the convent might still be in place. However, all the residents were evacuated, and the premises sold to Bristol City Council in 1948. Then, in 1960, the buildings were sold separately, and the parkland was opened to the public.
Read a sample here.
Availability
Ken Taylor
Copies of this booklet have been presented to the Reference Library, College Green, Bristol, and Wick Road Library in Brislington. Wick Road Library also has a limited number of copies that are available for members of the general public to keep, and staff will convey donations to APAG to help improve the park's environment and facilities for all to enjoy.
Please share...
If you have particular memories of the park, or memorabilia such as photographs or newspaper clippings relating to events at Arno's Court Park, please share them with us by emailing info@arnospark.org.uk.
Acknowledgements
Photograph of Ken Taylor taken by Adrian Good.
The booklet "A History of Arno's Court Park" was produced with the support of Bristol Parks, Bristol City Council.