News / bbc

Hours of footage of bygone Bristol released by BBC

By Betty Woolerton  Wednesday Jul 20, 2022

A website has launched featuring hours of audio-visual recordings exploring Bristol and its lost stories from the last century.

In what it says is the largest release of digital archive content in its history, BBC Rewind features clips from the broadcaster’s news output and documentaries.

The service described the videos as “reflecting the life and events of the UK” and “telling the story of the nation through its people”.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent. Become a supporter member today.
Community member Find out more

Covering our city, one film follows Corinna and Nick Gray on a typical day in the life of the Bristol Packet narrow boat in 1978 as it toured the docks to Bath.

Another, from 1956, films the arrival and transportation of tobacco cargo from the then-murky docks into a factory.

Visitors to the BBC Rewind website can access an interactive map that locates content to street level – from a protest against pornography in 1971 on Whiteladies road to an item from a self-help programme in Knowle West.

In total, over 30,000 pieces of content are on the site with the oldest material dating back to the late 1940s.

James Stirling, executive editor of BBC 100, said: “As we celebrate 100 years of the BBC, we’re opening up our unique and deeply valuable archive, an important part of the nation’s collective memory.

“By breathing new life into stories which have laid dormant for years, audiences will be able to discover recordings which can help us all learn more about who we are and where we’re from.”

You can visit the BBC Rewind website at www.bbc.co.uk/rewind

Main photo: Bristol Archives

Read more: Tessa Bunney’s new photography exhibition documents Somerset cider makers

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:

Tags:

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at meg@bristol247.com. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Featured Perks

  • £10 off tickets to the final week of Disney’s Aladdin at the Hippodrome

    £10 off tickets to the final week of Disney’s Aladdin at the Hippodrome

    Get whisked away to a whole new world with the cast of Aladdin

    Claim Perk
  • £5 off when you spend £15 at Better Food

    £5 off when you spend £15 at Better Food

    Better Food is offering all Bristol24/7 members £5 off their shopping when they spend £15 between Thursday 16 July and Wednesday 29 July.

    Claim Perk
  • 10% off purchases from the We The Curious online shop

    10% off purchases from the We The Curious online shop

    We\'ve teamed up with We The Curious to offer you 10% off in their excellent online shop. 

    Claim Perk
  • 10% off stays at Beech House

    10% off stays at Beech House

    Urban Apartments are offering members a discount on a Whiteladies Road stay

    Claim Perk
  • 10% off your food bill at Nadu

    10% off your food bill at Nadu

    We\'ve teamed up with Sri Lankan restaurant Nadu to offer Bristol24/7 members 10% off their food bill Sunday - Thursday. 

    Claim Perk
  • 10% off your food bill at Nadu

    10% off your food bill at Nadu

    We\'ve teamed up with Sri Lankan restaurant Nadu to offer Bristol24/7 members 10% off their food bill Sunday - Thursday. 

    Claim Perk

Most read

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Monthly £5/month Annually £45/year
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Monthly £180/month* Annually £2000/year*
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Monthly £5/month Annually £45/year
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning
Sign up
×

Select Your Membership