Features / street names
9 streets in Bristol named after people
From sieges to Streets Committees, there are some unexpected stories behind the city’s streets.
Penn Street, BS1 3AU: Founder of Pennsylvania, William Penn, arranged the building of this street. A Bristol resident, he built Penn Street, as well as Holister Street and Philadelphia Street, in 1697.
Hope Square, BS8 4LX: Named after Lady Henrietta Hope, who founded a chapel which stands on the eastern side of what was a square, before being destroyed by German bombs.
is needed now More than ever
Photo by Kerhys Reilly
King Street, BS1 4ED: Built shortly after the Restoration in 1670, King Street was named in honour of King Charles II.
Perry Road, BS1 5BG: Opened on August 20, 1868, this street is named after J. Perry, who was the chairman of the Streets Committee at the time.
Photo by Katie Button
Pillinger Street, BS2 8PD: Colin Pillinger was devoted to landing Britain on Mars. The Kingswood-born scientist narrowly failed in that mission with Beagle 2 in 2003.
Portland Square, BS2 8ST: Named after William Henry Cavendish-Bentinck, third Duke of Portland, Bristol’s first high steward.
Clare Street, BS1 1XR: Robert Craggs-Nugent represented the city in parliament between 1754 and 1774. Originally from Ireland, he was later given the title Viscount Clare, and the street was named in his honour,
Photo by Kerhys Reilly
Fairfax Street, BS1 3DB: This central street was named after a protagonist of the Siege of Bristol in 1645. The battle between the Royalists, led by Prince Rupert, and the Parliamentarians, led by Lord Fairfax. The Parliamentarians forced the Royalists to surrender the city on September 10 and won the siege.
Callowhill Street, BS1 3HE: Named after merchant Thomas Callowhill, he was a draper whose daughter married William Penn.
Main photo by Katie Button
Read more: 9 historical monuments you might not know in the city centre
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