Christmas Steps, Bristol facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christmas Steps |
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 Looking down Christmas Steps |
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 Christmas Steps
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| OS grid reference | ST586731 |
| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BRISTOL |
| Postcode district | BS |
| Dialling code | 0117 |
| Police | Avon and Somerset |
| Fire | Avon |
| Ambulance | Great Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
Christmas Steps is a historic street in the city centre of Bristol, England. It's well-known for its steep steps and interesting past. Today, it's a lively area with unique shops, art galleries, cafes, and bars.
Contents
How Christmas Steps Got Its Name
This famous street has had a few different names over the years! Let's explore its journey.
From Knifesmith to Christmas Street
Originally, way back in the Middle Ages, this area was called Knifesmith Street. Imagine a street where people made and sold knives! Over time, the name changed. The "K" sound in "knife" was once pronounced, but eventually, "Knifesmith Street" slowly became "Christmas Street."
In 1480, a writer named William Worcestre mentioned it as "knyfesmythstrete aliter [alias] Cristmastrete." This shows the name was already changing. Even in the 1600s, official records still called it "Christmas Street."
Steep Street and Queen Street
The part we now call "Christmas Steps" was once known as "Stypstrete," which means "Steep Street." This makes sense because it's quite a climb!
Later, in 1669, a wealthy wine merchant named Jonathan Blackwell paid to have the steps rebuilt. After this, the street was renamed "Queene Streete" (Queen Street). A stone plaque at the top of the steps still talks about this change.
Lunsford's Stairs
For a short time in the 1600s, the steps were also called Lunsford's Stairs. This was to remember a soldier named Colonel Henry Lunsford. He was sadly shot during a battle in 1643 near these steps, during the English Civil War.
Becoming Christmas Steps
Maps from the 1600s and 1700s show the steps as "Queene Str" or "Queen Str. or Stipe Str." This means some people still used the old name "Steep Street."
By the late 1800s, official maps started calling it "Christmas Steps." It seems this was a popular local name that finally became the official one.
History of the Steps
The steep steps you see today were first rebuilt in September 1669. Jonathan Blackwell, the wine merchant, paid for all the work.
Resting Spots on the Climb
At the top of the steps, you'll notice stone alcoves. These look a bit like seats you might find in old churches. They were probably built so people could rest during the long climb up to St Michael's Church. The steps and these alcoves were rebuilt again between 1865 and 1881. They are now protected as Grade II listed buildings, which means they are important historical structures.
Christmas Steps Arts Quarter
Today, Christmas Steps is a vibrant area. It's home to many small shops, art galleries, cafes, and bars. This lively part of Bristol is sometimes called the "Christmas Steps Arts Quarter."
Historic Buildings on the Steps
Many of the buildings along Christmas Steps are also listed buildings because of their age and history. For example, The Sugar Loaf Public House at No. 1 dates back to around 1720!
In Popular Culture
Christmas Steps has even made its way into books and music!
- The song Christmas Steps by the band Mogwai is named after this street.
- The street appears in the last part of Terry Pratchett's novel Dodger. In the story, the main character, Dodger, visits a pharmacist here.
Gallery
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Looking up Christmas Steps
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Plaque at top of Christmas Steps
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Metal sign at the top of Christmas Steps
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Alcoves at the top of Christmas Steps
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