Bristol in the 1930s

 Bristol’s Docks In The 1930s

In the 1930s, the City Docks, Portishead Docks and Avonmouth Docks had an extensive economic reach across South West England. This short film brought together the maritime history, 1930s aerial footage, and simple but effective illustrations when special effects were in their infancy.

The title card tells us the Port of Bristol has a history of over 2,000 years.

“John Cabot sailed in 1497 with Bristol sailors, in the Matthew under Letters Patent from Henry VII. On June 24th of the same year he discovered and landed in America”.

In reality, North America was, of course, ‘discovered’ by the indigenous population about 15,000 years ago. And both the Vikings and Welsh may have ventured across the Atlantic hundreds of years before John Cabot. In 1492 Christopher Columbus landed in the West Indies, Cuba and the Dominican Republic, though not mainland America. 

When the Venetian captain John Cabot dropped anchor at Cape Bonavista, Newfoundland, on June 24 in 1497, he and his English crew stayed on land long enough to pick up some fresh water. They also discovered the tools, nets and remains of a fire left by native people, who remained out of sight. He then headed back to present the new land to Henry VII who had commissioned the voyage, and received a £10 reward.

The next title card tells us “John Washington, ancestor of George, sailed from Bristol to America”.

"Bristol, 1930’s — Film 32026" from YouTube Channel HuntleyFilmArchives

“Bristol’s Motto: 

Pride in the Past

Provision for the Present

Preparation for the Future”

Bristol Celebrates The Silver Jubilee 1935

The Silver Jubilee 1935 saw Bristol bedecked in flags and hosting a military parade near the Cathedral.

Despite being third in line to the throne when he was born during Queen Victoria’s reign, on 6 May 1910 King George V became King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India. 

25 years later, in 1935, the people of Bristol held magnificent Silver Jubilee celebrations.

Less than a year later, on 20 January 1936 King George V died.  The next few months were turbulent as Edward accepted and then rejected the crown in favour of Wallace Simpson.

The Mayor is clearly identified in his robes and hat. Charles Theodore Budgett was a director at his family firm, the leading grocer H. H. & S. Budgett. I believe at one point he lived at 7 The Paragon, Clifton, and is probably the Charles T Budgett who died in Bristol in March 1947.

Budgetts began as a small shop in 1820, remained in the family for 140 years, sold Scribbans-Kemp in 1961 and disappeared in 1977.

"Bristol Jubilee Celebrations, 1930’s – Film 32082" from YouTube channel HuntleyFilmArchives

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Coronation Celebrations: 1937

1937 saw the coronation of King George VI. The bunting and floral displays were back again as the city and its residents celebrated the event. This early home movie also captured a very jolly street party.

Part of the footage shows the West Of England College of Art, which is sporting beautiful floral displays. From its foundation in 1853 until the previous year, it was known as the Bristol School of Practical Art. The new title West Of England College of Art was held until 1969. Then it became part of Stroud and South Gloucestershire College (SGS).

The film moves on to the fountains at the Victoria Rooms, Cotham Hill, the Triangle, and Park Street. Each location is bedecked with floral displays and bunting. In contrast, people and traffic bustle about their business. After showing the suspension bridge, the film ends with a street party.

Street Party in Bristol, 1930's - Film 18616 - Huntley Film Archives