Step back in time to Bristol’s industrial past with Dr Jim Pimpernell as he uncovers the story of Avon Wharf and The Dramway!

In the early 19th century, the Avon & Gloucestershire Railway—better known as The Dramway—was built to transport coal from the north Bristol coalfields to the river Avon, where it could be shipped to London and beyond. This talk will explore how over 140 collieries fed the fires of Bristol’s industrial revolution, the horse-drawn coal wagons that travelled the Dramway, and the fascinating archaeological finds that reveal how Avon Wharf operated during its short but vital lifespan.

 What You’ll Learn:
-The history of the Dramway, the railway built in 1831 by the Kennet & Avon Canal Company.
-How the coal industry shaped Bristol, Bath, and London during the Industrial Revolution.
-The hidden remains of Avon Wharf, including a system of rails, turntables, and chutes used to load coal onto waiting barges.
-How Brunel’s railway to London in 1841 changed everything and led to the Dramway’s decline.

 About the Speaker:
Dr Jim Pimpernell is a landscape archaeologist with a passion for uncovering the hidden stories of Bristol’s industrial heritage. His research and surveys have helped piece together how Avon Wharf functioned, revealing long-forgotten details about the coal industry that once powered an empire.

 Did you know? Today, much of the Dramway has been transformed into a historic walking route, allowing visitors to explore the remnants of this once-thriving railway.

Don’t miss this fascinating deep dive into Bristol’s past—reserve your seat now!