Bristol’s worst winters: 10 amazing pictures showing city’s coldest winters throughout the years
Crank the heating up and take a gander at some of the heaviest snowfalls in Bristol’s gi
As Bristol wraps up warm for this year’s winter, some may recall previous toe-numbing seasons which still sting from the thought. From a four-day snowstorm in April to hundreds of teenagers skating on a frozen lake - Bristol has had many piercing snow days throughout the years.
Using Bristol City Council’s Know Your Place tool, we have riffled through the archives and picked 10 pictures showing some of the city’s most extreme snow days. Including heavy snowfalls during the 1860s, the infamous winter of 1947 which brought the country to a standstill in the wake of the second world war and the Big Freeze in 1963.
You may want to grab a blanket before looking through the images we have selected.
1. Pianos handed out for free fuel during 1947 winter
Cotham, 1947 - Mickleburgh Piano Manufacturer hands out free pianos to local families to be used as fuel during the harsh winter. Across England, temperatures dipped to -21C with snowfall measured up to 81in deep. In Bristol, roads and railways were blocked and the cold weather led to power shortages across the city.
2. Henleaze lake frozen
Many gathered on a frozen Henleaze lake to skate and play games during the winter of 1947. Deep snow lasted for weeks during a particularly cold winter causing massive disruptions of energy supply for homes.
3. Clifton Suspension Bridge in April snow
One of the most outrageous weather events in England, a four day snowstorm during April 1908. Here, Clifton Suspension can be seen coated in the white stuff. Temperatures reached -13C in England during the snowstorm.
4. Snowball fight
A fun snow scene showing a mum and her children having a snowball fight on the Clifton Prom. No date is given.