12 Bristol unicorns you might not know about

1. Bristol seal

Bristol’s long running association with unicorns began back in 1569 when they appeared on the city seal. Seals were introduced as a way of authenticating documents. A blob of soft sealing wax was melted and the seal, often in the form of a signet ring, pressed into it. In 1569 Bristol was granted a crest with supporters – the golden unicorns. According to the City Audit Books of the time unicorns were chosen as they will ‘only do homage to men of virtue’.

2. City Hall

On opposite ends of City Hall on College Green there are two unicorns facing each other, 12 feet tall and gilt bronze. The story goes that they were not originally part of the council’s plan for the building but architect Vincent E Harris ordered them without the council’s knowledge, before disappearing off on holiday. On his return it was discovered that he had decided to add unicorns because they’d be cheaper than the decorative ridging the council had planned. One urban myth says the architect faced the unicorns away from the house of someone he did not like so their rears would be the first thing they would see.

3. Bristol Unicorns marching band 

The Bristol Unicorns Marching Band was started in 1979 and became the most successful British marching band ever. It was founded by bandmaster Dave Rogers who wanted to form a band which played more varied music, which girls to be allowed to join and an which had an updated uniform. They went on to become World Showband Champions in 1985, European Champions in 1989 and British Champions in 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1988. Dave Rogers retired the band folded in 1991. A reunion in 2003 saw more than 500 former members get together.

4. Bristol University logo

The University of Bristol logo derives from the old coat of arms from University College, predecessor to University of Bristol. The unicorns on the former crest have now changed to a horse, representative of Joseph Storrs Fry, Bristol chocolate manufacturer. The horse is joined with the sun, dolphin and book of learning in the current logo, which was unveiled in 2004.   

5. ss Great Britain 

When Brunel’s revolutionary ship launched in 1843 it was the largest ship in the world. It was first designed for the passenger trade, becoming one of the first examples of intercontinental passenger travel. You can spot the unicorns on the coat of arms on the front but there’s also a unicorn across the bow of the ship.

6. St John the Baptist Church

The 14th parish church is at the lower end of Broad Street Bristol and forms part of the city walls. Inside above the pulpit is a unicorn figurine, which could have supported a coat of arms, as there is a lion statue opposite. St John’s is open for visitors 11am-2pm daily and is launching some exciting visitor displays throughout June. Look out for the animation of the history of medieval Bristol in the crypt.

7.Bristol’s coat of arms

The Bristol coat of arms – – the Ship and Castle – feature a golden ship and silver castle with unicorns either side and are based on the early seals of Bristol. The motto underneath reads “virtute et industry”, meaning “by virtue and industry”. It can be spotted on several buildings and bridges round the city.

8. Cigarette packets

Wills Tobacco issued a huge number of tobacco card series, probably more than 500 in the UK alone, and several hundred series in the overseas markets. The oldest series date from around 1890 and new series were issued until the late 1930s. More than 25 series with a heraldic theme have been issued by the company. 

9. Unicorn spotted in Millennium Square

One of the more fleeting examples of a unicorn sighting in Bristol was when Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway came to the city centre in 2015. A man in a full suit of armour rode through Millennium Square on a ‘unicorn’ and was joined by two soldiers playing a fanfare and a giant inflatable slide on the Lloyds Amphitheatre.

10. North Bristol RFC

During the season 1955/56 the club tie and blazer badge, featuring the silver unicorn motif was adopted, having been designed by a member of the art department at Monks Park School.

11. Sparkles the unicorn

You may have seen Sparkles on Horfield Common last summer. Sparkles was part of the Shaun the Sheep exhibition and designed by the Bristol based artist Emily Golden. It was one of the most popular designs selling for £25,000 at the final charity auction.

12. Peanut

Peanut recently became the main attraction at Hartcliffe Community Farm after a child accidentally snapped off one of her horns, leaving her with, for all intents and purposes, the head of a unicorn. Jacob sheep usually have two to four horns and are one of the longest living sheep breeds. Peanut is 16 and has been looked after by her doting keeper Charlie Tucker all her life.

Have we missed any other unicorns around Bristol? Let us know by emailing alison@bristol247.com