Sir Joseph Whitworth (1803-1887) is a name that may be familiar to you, sitting atop the large blue-green planing machine in Underfall Yard's Docks Maintenance Workshop. But do you know who he was? Volunteer writer Elise investigates his life and legacy... Sir Joseph earned his fame for his creation of the British Standard Whitworth (BSW) in 1841, the world’s first official standardised screw thread. This [...]
Visitors to Underfall Yard can now view artist's impressions of what the yard could look like once work to restore the Big Shed and its two neighbouring workshops is complete. Click the images above to view them in full. The new designs aim to preserve the historical fabric of the buildings, whilst bringing them up to modern standards, returning the site to a [...]
Serving the boats of Bristol's Floating Harbour since 1854, the patent slipway never fails to draw the eye of visitors to Underfall Yard. In this month's blog, volunteer writer Elaine delves into its origin story... “On Monday last a first trial was made of the heaving-up slip which has recently been erected by three enterprising citizens on the banks of the Floating Harbour” the Bristol [...]
There's loads to see and do at Underfall Yard this Half Term! If you're looking for a family day out in Bristol, all of our activities are open to visitors of all ages. To top it all off, thanks to the bank holiday, the Underfall Yard Visitor Centre and Cafe will be open throughout the week. Here's a list of of our Half Term events [...]
It's been an exciting week at Underfall Yard! With the walkway reopened, and the Visitor Centre and Cafe busier than ever, it's wonderful to see so much support as the work continues on the Recovery and Reinstatement Project. This Friday, we were visited by BBC Bristol's social media team. They met with Sarah Murray, one of the Directors of Underfall Yard Trust, for a live [...]
We have now publicly announced the re-opening of our walkway and we are delighted to have received such support from local residents, visitors, volunteers and businesses. Following almost a year of closure, our gates are now open. Visitors are welcome to drop by to this working boatyard and the café is open for food and drink. Last week, we experienced our busiest week in the [...]
Many of the workshops at Underfall Yard, with their striking red brick walls and green doorways, were installed during John Ward Girdlestone's tenure as Docks Engineer 1882-1890. But who was Girdlestone? Here's an intriguing profile of him, by volunteer writer Elaine. John Ward Girdlestone became Bristol Docks Engineer in 1882. He was 42 years old, energetic, and impatient to make improvements. He soon turned his [...]
The Recovery & Reinstatement Project, following last year’s devastating fire, is underway. Work to reinstate the yard is split into two phases… Phase 1 focuses on site cleanup, roof repairs to the Shipwrights building and developing detailed design plans for full reinstatement. Phase 2 involves rebuilding damaged and destroyed structures. This is, of course, subject to planning approval and funding. We are actively working with [...]
Applications are now open for new volunteers at Underfall Yard! Volunteering is a wonderful way to build or showcase your skills and interests, as well as joining a passionate local community. Your support this year could make an enormous difference as Underfall Yard Trust continues its important work. Click the titles below to read full role descriptions for the latest voluntary opportunities: Volunteer Writer - [...]
If you have visited Underfall Yard to explore or enjoy the cafe, you may have wondered why a giant woolen crocodile resides in the Visitor Centre. Luckily, volunteer writer Isaac Barrett has been investigating that same question. Here are his findings... Bristol has its fair share of mysteries. Whether it be a strange humming on the Downs, or the disturbing reasons behind the unnatural smoothness [...]