Blackberry Hill Archaeology: The History of Bristol’s Prison and Workhouse

Archaeological investigations at the former Blackberry Hill Hospital in Stapleton, Bristol, have brought to light extraordinary discoveries that reflect the site’s role in Bristol’s history. Spanning from the late 18th to the early 20th century, this excavation is providing a deeper understanding of Victorian life in the city.

A Site of Complex Histories

Over the past several years, Cotswold Archaeology, in consultation with Bristol City Council and the Diocese of Bristol, led excavations across the site. These investigations, funded by Vistry Group, were undertaken between 2018 and 2023 to comply with planning conditions ahead of the site’s redevelopment.

The site’s history is as complex as it is fascinating. It began as Stapleton Prison in the late 18th century, housing prisoners of war from Britain’s conflicts with France, Spain, Holland, and the United States. As the 19th century progressed, the site was transformed during Bristol’s 1832 cholera outbreak into a hospital, and later converted into the Stapleton Workhouse in 1837. By the 20th century, the site evolved into Manor Park Hospital, and then Blackberry Hill Hospital, before closing in 2007 as part of Bristol’s Local Plan.

Uncovering Hidden Lives: The Archaeological Findings

One of the most striking elements of the excavation is the discovery of a significant number of graves. These primarily date from the workhouse period, from 1837 to the late 19th century. Some burials may even date back to the site’s earlier function as a prisoner-of-war camp.

The graves were uncovered with full respect for the site’s history, conducted under a Burial Licence from the Ministry of Justice and a Faculty from the Diocese of Bristol. These findings provide an intimate window into the lives of ordinary 19th-century Bristolians who found themselves at the workhouse due to poverty and hardship.

The Lives of Workhouse Inhabitants

The story behind these burials reflects a dark chapter in Bristol’s social history. The workhouse served as a refuge for the city’s poor, offering shelter to those who had fallen on hard times. Many of the individuals buried here had faced extreme poverty and illness before their deaths. Examination of their remains, along with personal items found during excavation, helps archaeologists and historians piece together their life stories—highlighting the societal struggles of the era.

Through these burials, we gain a rare insight into how the poorest Bristolians lived and died, offering a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many during the 19th century. Scientific analysis is ongoing, with researchers examining the remains to understand more about these individuals’ lives, health, and causes of death.

The Prison and Its Legacy

The site also holds significant historical value from its earlier period as Stapleton Prison. Established in the 1780s, the prison housed thousands of sailors captured during Britain’s many wars. This makes it one of the earliest examples of a prisoner-of-war camp in Britain, predating even the famous Norman Cross camp.

Ongoing Research and Memorial Plans

Research at the site continues, involving teams of archaeologists and specialists from Cotswold Archaeology and academic partners. The findings from the excavation will be fully published in 2026, alongside a programme of public engagement to further share the results.

While most of the remains have already been reinterred at the site in specially constructed vaults, ongoing study of selected remains continues to provide new insights. A memorial ceremony is planned to accompany the final reburials, ensuring that those who lived and died here are honoured.

Richard Leaman, Diocesan Secretary of the Diocese of Bristol, highlighted the reverence of this work, stating, “The removal and reinternment of human remains have been carried out in a reverential and lawful manner, with a marker to bear witness to the new gravesite.”