11 fascinating retro photos of how Bristol looked back in the 1970s
A lot has changed in Bristol over the past 50 years, as these incredible images show
It may now jokingly be referred to as ‘the decade that taste forgot’ but those who remember the 1970s often hold a different view of that period - a soft spot, even.
But hindsight is a wonderful thing, of course, and many people who lived through that time won’t forget the problems of high unemployment, recession and a winter of discontent.
Like any big city, Bristol was impacted by all of these things in the 1970s, but it was also a time of huge change as Bristol positioned itself as an important regional capital.
It was a time when the hedonistic 1980s were fast approaching and tired areas such as the harbourside and city centre were about to be regenerated.
We’ve trawled through the archives in search of photos of Bristol in the 1970s and we think you’ll agree it makes for a fascinating snapshot of a city on the cusp of huge change.
1. Lewin’s Mead
Old buildings at the front of Christmas Steps, September 1975. Although the old building on the left was demolished, the black and white timber-framed building in the middle is still there and now a cake shop.
2. Narrow Quay
In June 1974, Narrow Quay still had a number of dilapidated old buildings next to the Arnolfini.
3. Newspaper offices
The award-winning Bristol United Press building on Temple Way when it first opened in 1974
4. Quayside
Office workers take a break in the sun on the quayside by Arnolfini, July 1978. The large building in the background was one of the bonded warehouses demolished in 1988 to make way for the Lloyds Bank HQ and amphitheatre.