Page Index:
For details of BRHG's past events click here.
Down With The Fences!
The Struggle for the Global Commons
Thursday May 1st — Sunday May 11th 2008
Click here to find out about these events.
Audio files from the lectures are now available.
The Seven Stars Plaque
Bristol Radical History Group are helping to raise funds for a new plaque outside The Seven Stars pub in Thomas Lane, Bristol. The pub is not only an important historical landmark in Bristol but also holds a unique place within World history.
The Seven Stars, and the help given by Landlord Thompson, played a major role in enabling Thomas Clarkson gather evidence which changed British Public Opinion, demonstrating first the terrible fate that befell sailors, and then the even more horrific fate of the enslaved.
The pub already has a blue plaque, but this barely depicts the actual importance of the pub - both nationally and internationally. In fact this plaque does not even mention the anti-slavery movement or use phrase "slave trade", it only that Clarkson stayed at the pub while gathering information concerning the conditions on slave ships.
The current plaque outside The Seven Stars
in Thomas Lane, Bristol.
New studies initiated by Bristol Radical History Group revealed a set of amazing coincidences that symbolise the decades of struggle that finally led to the end of large scale slaving.
The new plaque, designed by local artists, is to be made of cast aluminium and painted with a motifs that depict Thomas Clarkson, the pub itself and references to the slave trade and anti-slavery movement.
Why not celebrate Thomas Clarkson's links with the Seven Stars by quaffing a pint of Abolition Ale at the pub istself? And while you are there why not buy a copy of Cry Freedom, Cry Seven Stars, a Bristol Radical History Pamphlet which is being sold to raise money for the new plaque.
If you would like to find out more about future fund raising events keep checking this page. Better still to find out about about all Bristol Radical History Events click here and join the email list.
- Find out more about the remarkable history of The Seven Stars and why it is of international historical importance.
- Read the account of Thomas Clarkson at The Seven Stars that was found behind the bar.
- To see find out exactly where The Seven Stars is click here.
- Visit The Abolition Project to find out more about Thomas Clarkson and other abolitionists.
For details of BRHG's previous events visit click here.
Trade It?
Show Of Strength Theatre Company's next production, TRADE IT? takes place outdoors in Bristol from 24 June - 6 July 2008. A guided walk around lost areas of the city centre, with short performances along the way from writers including Catherine Johnson (MAMMA MIA), Sandi Toksvig and Mustapha Matura.
Show of Strength invited 10 of Britain's most exciting writers to create 10 minute dramas about trade. Trade yesterday and trade today. Join us on a walk of discovery and find unexpected performances in Bristol's lost locations. From Catherine Johnson (MAMMA MIA) and Sandi Toksvig to new and emerging writers, these are diverse stories for 21st century streets. We'll lend you an umbrella if it's wet, pause half way round for a drink, and even give you a present to take home at the end. TRADE IT? will be one of the most remarkable walks you'll ever take. Robin Belfield directs 8 Bristol actors in work by: Edson Burton; Jenny Davis; Madge Dresser; Sheila Hannon; Lucy Heywood; Catherine Johnson; Mustapha Matura; Rob Mitchell; Sandi Toksvig; Suzanne Worrica.
Performances are at different locations, and audiences will be led between performances in guided groups by actor stewards.
TUESDAY 24 JUNE - SUNDAY 6 JULY at 7.30 & WEEKENDS 28/29 JUNE & 5/6 JULY at 2.30
NB: no performance Monday 30 June Start: Horse & Rider statue, bottom of Christmas Steps, Lewins Mead. NOT Saturday matinees, see below Finish: Temple Church Gardens/City Inn
ADVANCE BOOKING STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
Bristol Ticket Shop, BG29 The Galleries BS1 3XB
In person/by phone: Monday - Saturday 9.30-5.45 £12/£9 concs
0870 44 44 400/0117 929 9008
24 hr booking www.bristolticketshop.co.uk
DOOR SALES if available, 1 hour before shows from Lewins Mead meeting point - except accessible Saturday matinees from Temple Church Gardens only.
FFI parking, updates, etc www.showofstrength.org.uk
ACCESS Umbrellas provided if wet, but dress for weather /walking - this is theatre on the go! First half unsuitable for wheelchairs, so Saturday matinees - with all plays included - are in one easy location: Temple Church Gardens, Temple Rose Street entrance (behind City Inn, Temple Way). NB: unsuitable for under 12s. Performances are at different locations, and audiences will be led in guided groups by actor stewards.
