St Pauls, Bristol
Encyclopedia
St Pauls is an inner suburb of Bristol
, England
, situated just north east of the city
centre and west of the M32
. It is bounded by the A38
, the B4051 and the A4032 road
s. In the early 18th century it was laid out as one of Bristol's first suburb
s.
slave trade, St Pauls was the location of choice for the wealthy slave trading merchants. This is reflected in the Georgian architecture
.
Its turbulent history has been marked by rapid growth. The area was bomb damaged during World War II
blitzes followed by a high degree of immigration
shortly afterwards.
In 1963, St Pauls became the focus of attention when members of the British African-Caribbean community
organised the Bristol Bus Boycott
to protest the racist employment policy of the Bristol Omnibus Company
which operated a colour bar
, refusing employment to non-white workers as bus crews. This policy was overturned in August of that year after sixty days of protest and the action helped establish the Race Relations Act 1968
.
which followed a police
raid on the Black and White Café in St Pauls on 2 April 1980 formed a low point of the area's history. The St Pauls riot
started when the police entered the Black and White Café, knowing that the premises was being used for drug dealing. A customer had his trousers ripped and demanded compensation, which the police refused. A crowd outside then refused to allow the police to leave, and when back up was called a riot started. The riots were quickly blamed on race, but both white and black youths fought against the police and the problems are thought to have been linked instead to poverty and perceived social injustices, predominantly the Sus law
prevalent at the time. The Black and White Café was closed in March 2005, and has been demolished to make way for houses after a compulsory purchase order
was pushed through by the council. Now the area is experiencing a positive urban renewal
with the St. Pauls Unlimited scheme. Along with Easton, Bristol
the area has gained a reputation as a place to obtain heroin and more predominantly crack cocaine
. This area of the city has also suffered its share of gun violence, reaching a high point in the early 2000s when rival Yardie
and drug gangs such as the Aggi Crew
fought turf wars over territory.
population. The relative poverty
of the area has created a strong community
spirit shown in the St Pauls Carnival
, similar to the Notting Hill Carnival
in London
. It has been run annually since 1967, and it now attracts an average of 40,000 people each year. This is a vibrant parade
with local primary schools and community groups joining in.
Many of the buildings in St Pauls are Georgian period with Portland Square
, and St Paul's Church as particularly fine examples of Georgian architecture
in the area. Both were designed by Daniel Hague although the original St Pauls Church was to be designed by James Allen in a Greek style. Work was started on the church in 1789 and completed in 1794. Edward William Godwin
, a famous Victorian
architect, lived at Portland Square. In 2005 the church was converted into its present form as the home of 'Circomedia
', a circus school.
as a new entrance to the city. The tower would be a similar shape to the Swiss Re "gherkin" tower
in London
.
. Ashley ward is represented by two Liberal Democrat
Bristol City Councillors Shirley Brown (reelected in 2007) and Dr Jon Rogers (reelected in 2009).
Bristol
Bristol is a city, unitary authority area and ceremonial county in South West England, with an estimated population of 433,100 for the unitary authority in 2009, and a surrounding Larger Urban Zone with an estimated 1,070,000 residents in 2007...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, situated just north east of the city
City
A city is a relatively large and permanent settlement. Although there is no agreement on how a city is distinguished from a town within general English language meanings, many cities have a particular administrative, legal, or historical status based on local law.For example, in the U.S...
centre and west of the M32
M32 motorway
The M32 is a motorway in South Gloucestershire and Bristol, England. It provides a link from Bristol city centre to the M4 and is part of the Bristol Parkway. At about , it is one of Britain's shortest motorways...
. It is bounded by the A38
A38 road
The A38, part of which is also known as the Devon Expressway, is a major A-class trunk road in England.The road runs from Bodmin in Cornwall to Mansfield in Nottinghamshire. It is long, making it one of the longest A-roads in England. It was formerly known as the Leeds — Exeter Trunk Road,...
, the B4051 and the A4032 road
A4032 road
The A4032 road - also known as the Newfoundland Way - is a road within Bristol that starts at the end of the M32, as a trunk road and terminates in a junction with the A4044 at the edge of Bristol city centre.-See also:* British road numbering scheme...
s. In the early 18th century it was laid out as one of Bristol's first suburb
Suburb
The word suburb mostly refers to a residential area, either existing as part of a city or as a separate residential community within commuting distance of a city . Some suburbs have a degree of administrative autonomy, and most have lower population density than inner city neighborhoods...
s.
History
During the days of the BristolBristol
Bristol is a city, unitary authority area and ceremonial county in South West England, with an estimated population of 433,100 for the unitary authority in 2009, and a surrounding Larger Urban Zone with an estimated 1,070,000 residents in 2007...
slave trade, St Pauls was the location of choice for the wealthy slave trading merchants. This is reflected in the Georgian architecture
Georgian architecture
Georgian architecture is the name given in most English-speaking countries to the set of architectural styles current between 1720 and 1840. It is eponymous for the first four British monarchs of the House of Hanover—George I of Great Britain, George II of Great Britain, George III of the United...
.
Its turbulent history has been marked by rapid growth. The area was bomb damaged during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
blitzes followed by a high degree of immigration
Immigration
Immigration is the act of foreigners passing or coming into a country for the purpose of permanent residence...
shortly afterwards.
In 1963, St Pauls became the focus of attention when members of the British African-Caribbean community
British African-Caribbean community
The British African Caribbean communities are residents of the United Kingdom who are of West Indian background and whose ancestors were primarily indigenous to Africa...
organised the Bristol Bus Boycott
Bristol Bus Boycott, 1963
The Bristol Bus Boycott of 1963 arose from the refusal of the Bristol Omnibus Company to employ Black or Asian bus crews in Bristol, England. In common with other British cities there was widespread discrimination in housing and employment at that time against "coloureds." Led by youth worker...
to protest the racist employment policy of the Bristol Omnibus Company
Bristol Omnibus Company
The Bristol Omnibus Company is the former name of the dominant bus operator in Bristol, one of the oldest bus companies in the United Kingdom. The company once ran buses over a wide area of Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire and neighbouring counties. The name was in operational use until 1985...
which operated a colour bar
Racial segregation
Racial segregation is the separation of humans into racial groups in daily life. It may apply to activities such as eating in a restaurant, drinking from a water fountain, using a public toilet, attending school, going to the movies, or in the rental or purchase of a home...
, refusing employment to non-white workers as bus crews. This policy was overturned in August of that year after sixty days of protest and the action helped establish the Race Relations Act 1968
Race Relations Act 1968
The Race Relations Act 1968 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom making it illegal to refuse housing, employment, or public services to a person on the grounds of colour, race, ethnic or national origins. It also created the Community Relations Commission to promote 'harmonious...
.
1980s problems
A riotRiot
A riot is a form of civil disorder characterized often by what is thought of as disorganized groups lashing out in a sudden and intense rash of violence against authority, property or people. While individuals may attempt to lead or control a riot, riots are thought to be typically chaotic and...
which followed a police
Police
The police is a personification of the state designated to put in practice the enforced law, protect property and reduce civil disorder in civilian matters. Their powers include the legitimized use of force...
raid on the Black and White Café in St Pauls on 2 April 1980 formed a low point of the area's history. The St Pauls riot
St Pauls riot
The St Pauls riot occurred in St Pauls, Bristol, England on 2 April 1980 when police raided the Black and White Café on Grosvenor Road in the heart of the area. After several hours of disturbance in which fire engines and police cars were damaged, 130 people were arrested...
started when the police entered the Black and White Café, knowing that the premises was being used for drug dealing. A customer had his trousers ripped and demanded compensation, which the police refused. A crowd outside then refused to allow the police to leave, and when back up was called a riot started. The riots were quickly blamed on race, but both white and black youths fought against the police and the problems are thought to have been linked instead to poverty and perceived social injustices, predominantly the Sus law
Sus law
In England and Wales, the sus law was the informal name for a stop and search law that permitted a police officer to stop, search and potentially arrest people on suspicion of them being in breach of section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824.-1824 legislation:The power to act on "sus" was found in part...
prevalent at the time. The Black and White Café was closed in March 2005, and has been demolished to make way for houses after a compulsory purchase order
Compulsory purchase order
A compulsory purchase order is a legal function in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland that allows certain bodies which need to obtain land or property to do so without the consent of the owner. It may be enforced if a proposed development is considered one for public betterment - for...
was pushed through by the council. Now the area is experiencing a positive urban renewal
Urban renewal
Urban renewal is a program of land redevelopment in areas of moderate to high density urban land use. Renewal has had both successes and failures. Its modern incarnation began in the late 19th century in developed nations and experienced an intense phase in the late 1940s – under the rubric of...
with the St. Pauls Unlimited scheme. Along with Easton, Bristol
Easton, Bristol
Easton is both the name of a council ward in the city of Bristol in the United Kingdom, and an inner city area that lies partly within that ward. The Easton ward also contains the Whitehall and Netham areas of the city. Notable places within the ward include Lawrence Hill and Stapleton Road railway...
the area has gained a reputation as a place to obtain heroin and more predominantly crack cocaine
Crack cocaine
Crack cocaine is the freebase form of cocaine that can be smoked. It may also be termed rock, hard, iron, cavvy, base, or just crack; it is the most addictive form of cocaine. Crack rocks offer a short but intense high to smokers...
. This area of the city has also suffered its share of gun violence, reaching a high point in the early 2000s when rival Yardie
Yardie
Yardie is a term stemming from the slang name originally given to occupants of "government yards", social housing projects with very basic amenities, in Trenchtown, a neighborhood in West Kingston, Jamaica. Trenchtown was originally built as a housing project following devastation caused by...
and drug gangs such as the Aggi Crew
Aggi Crew
The Aggi Crew were a criminal drug gang based in the St Pauls district of Bristol. The name of the gang was taken from the surnames of the founding gang members...
fought turf wars over territory.
Community
St Pauls has a large African-CaribbeanBritish African-Caribbean community
The British African Caribbean communities are residents of the United Kingdom who are of West Indian background and whose ancestors were primarily indigenous to Africa...
population. The relative poverty
Poverty
Poverty is the lack of a certain amount of material possessions or money. Absolute poverty or destitution is inability to afford basic human needs, which commonly includes clean and fresh water, nutrition, health care, education, clothing and shelter. About 1.7 billion people are estimated to live...
of the area has created a strong community
Community
The term community has two distinct meanings:*a group of interacting people, possibly living in close proximity, and often refers to a group that shares some common values, and is attributed with social cohesion within a shared geographical location, generally in social units larger than a household...
spirit shown in the St Pauls Carnival
St Pauls Carnival
St Pauls Carnival is an annual African Caribbean carnival held, usually on the first Saturday of July, in St Pauls, Bristol. The carnival started in 1967 and is run by a non-profit organisation, St Pauls Afrikan Caribbean Carnival Limited...
, similar to the Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival
The Notting Hill Carnival is an annual event which since 1964 has taken place on the streets of Notting Hill, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea , London, UK each August, over two days...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. It has been run annually since 1967, and it now attracts an average of 40,000 people each year. This is a vibrant parade
Carnival
Carnaval is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during February. Carnaval typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party...
with local primary schools and community groups joining in.
Architecture
Portland Square, Bristol
Portland Square is in the St Pauls area of Bristol.It was laid out in the early 18th century as one of Bristol's first suburbs. Built upon a flat area of ground its central focus of St. Pauls Church...
, and St Paul's Church as particularly fine examples of Georgian architecture
Georgian architecture
Georgian architecture is the name given in most English-speaking countries to the set of architectural styles current between 1720 and 1840. It is eponymous for the first four British monarchs of the House of Hanover—George I of Great Britain, George II of Great Britain, George III of the United...
in the area. Both were designed by Daniel Hague although the original St Pauls Church was to be designed by James Allen in a Greek style. Work was started on the church in 1789 and completed in 1794. Edward William Godwin
Edward William Godwin
Edward William Godwin was a progressive English architect-designer, who began his career working in the strongly polychromatic "Ruskinian Gothic" style of mid-Victorian Britain, inspired by The Stones of Venice, then moved on to provide designs in the "Anglo-Japanese taste" of the Aesthetic...
, a famous Victorian
Victorian era
The Victorian era of British history was the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. It was a long period of peace, prosperity, refined sensibilities and national self-confidence...
architect, lived at Portland Square. In 2005 the church was converted into its present form as the home of 'Circomedia
Circomedia
Circomedia is a school for contemporary circus and physical theatre based in Bristol, England. The school offers a variety of training courses and workshops that teach circus skills in the context of physical theatre, performance and creativity....
', a circus school.
Redevelopment plans
In May 2007 proposals were announced to build about 753000 square feet (69,956 m²) net of homes, offices and businesses, in the St Pauls area. The development, if approved, may include a 600 ft (182.9 m), 40-storey, tower next to the M32 motorwayM32 motorway
The M32 is a motorway in South Gloucestershire and Bristol, England. It provides a link from Bristol city centre to the M4 and is part of the Bristol Parkway. At about , it is one of Britain's shortest motorways...
as a new entrance to the city. The tower would be a similar shape to the Swiss Re "gherkin" tower
30 St Mary Axe
30 St Mary Axe, the Swiss Re Building , is a skyscraper in London's main financial district, the City of London, completed in December 2003 and opened at the end of May 2004...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
.
Politics
St Pauls is part of the Ashley ward of Bristol City Council, along with St Agnes, St Andrews, Montpelier and St WerburghsSt Werburghs, Bristol
St. Werburghs is an area in central north-east Bristol, England. Surrounded by the M32 motorway, railway embankments and allotment slopes it has the feel of a green village in the inner city.- History :...
. Ashley ward is represented by two Liberal Democrat
Liberal Democrats
The Liberal Democrats are a social liberal political party in the United Kingdom which supports constitutional and electoral reform, progressive taxation, wealth taxation, human rights laws, cultural liberalism, banking reform and civil liberties .The party was formed in 1988 by a merger of the...
Bristol City Councillors Shirley Brown (reelected in 2007) and Dr Jon Rogers (reelected in 2009).