STAIRS OF DISPAIR
GALLERY
HISTORY
The history of Blackberry Hill (located in Stapleton and Fishponds, Bristol) spans over two centuries, moving from wartime incarceration to poor relief, healthcare, and modern housing.
• 1779–1783 (Stapleton Prison – American War of Independence): Built originally as a purpose-built prisoner of war camp to hold naval prisoners (largely Spanish and Dutch) landed at Bristol quays.
• 1793–1815 (Napoleonic Wars): Re-opened and expanded as France declared war on Britain, housing thousands of French prisoners of war who constructed additional wings. The original prison shell in Manor Road, the British Garrison Officers’ Mess House, and the Admiralty Agent’s House still stand.
• 1832 (Cholera Hospital): The facility was converted into a cholera hospital during an epidemic outbreak.
• 1837–20th Century (Stapleton Workhouse / Manor Park Hospital): Acquired by the Bristol Corporation of the Poor and converted into a massive workhouse. It later transitioned into a geriatric and general hospital known as Manor Park Hospital.
• 1992–2000s (Blackberry Hill Hospital): Merged with the adjacent Glenside Hospital (the former Bristol Lunatic Asylum) in December 1992, operating psychiatric and forensic mental health services (such as the Fromeside medium-secure unit run by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership).
• 2009–Present (Redevelopment & Housing): Parts of the site were sold off for regeneration into residential housing, transforming the grim historical footprint into modern developments like the Blackberry Hill housing project by Linden Homes.
The history of Blackberry Hill (located in Stapleton and Fishponds, Bristol) spans over two centuries, moving from wartime incarceration to poor relief, healthcare, and modern housing 1779–1783 (Stapleton Prison – American War of Independence): Built originally as a purpose-built prisoner of war camp to hold naval prisoners (largely Spanish and Dutch) landed at Bristol quays.
• 1793–1815 (Napoleonic Wars): Re-opened and expanded as France declared war on Britain, housing thousands of French prisoners of war who constructed additional wings. The original prison shell in Manor Road, the British Garrison Officers’ Mess House, and the Admiralty Agent’s House still stand.
• 1832 (Cholera Hospital): The facility was converted into a cholera hospital during an epidemic outbreak.
• 1837–20th Century (Stapleton Workhouse / Manor Park Hospital): Acquired by the Bristol Corporation of the Poor and converted into a massive workhouse. It later transitioned into a geriatric and general hospital known as Manor Park Hospital.
• 1992–2000s (Blackberry Hill Hospital): Merged with the adjacent Glenside Hospital (the former Bristol Lunatic Asylum) in December 1992, operating psychiatric and forensic mental health services (such as the Fromeside medium-secure unit run by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership).
• 2009–Present (Redevelopment & Housing): Parts of the site were sold off for regeneration into residential housing, transforming the grim historical footprint into modern developments like the Blackberry Hill housing project by Linden Homes. Extensive excavations carried out by Cotswold Archaeology between 2018 and 2023 ahead of the site’s housing redevelopment uncovered nearly 4,500 unmarked graves and remains from its Victorian workhouse and prisoner-of-war periods. Detailed coverage of these historical layers and the human remains uncovered can be read via Current Archaeology. Memorial plans and reinterment of the remains in site vaults have been scheduled.
