Seven Stars, Bristol facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Seven Stars Public House
General information
Town or city	Bristol
Country	England
Completed	18th century

The Seven Stars is a very old pub located on Thomas Lane in Bristol, England. It was built a long time ago, in the 17th century. Today, it is a special building known as a Grade II listed building. This means it is protected because of its historical importance.

A Glimpse into History

The Seven Stars has a rich history. One of the first times it was mentioned was in the Bristol Record Office. This old document talks about Sir John Hawkins. In 1694, he bought the lease for the pub. This happened when he was also buying what would later become the famous Georges Brewery. The pub was then known as "the sign of the Seven Stars, St Thomas Lane."

Early Owners

In the late 1600s, a man named Michael Jaine was in charge of "The Starrs," as it was sometimes called. He inherited it from his father, William Jayne, who was an innkeeper. After Michael Jaine passed away, the pub eventually came into the hands of the Saunders family. They were a well-known brewing family in Bristol.

A New Owner

In 1694, Anthony Saunders, from the Saunders family, transferred the property to John Hawkins. This shows how the ownership of the Seven Stars changed hands over the centuries. Each owner added to the story of this historic building.

A Hub for Change

The Seven Stars is especially famous for its connection to a very important movement. This was the fight against slavery, known as abolitionism.

Thomas Clarkson's Mission

In 1787, a dedicated abolitionist named Thomas Clarkson visited the Seven Stars. An abolitionist was someone who worked to end slavery. At that time, Bristol was a major port involved in the slave trade. Clarkson came to Bristol to gather information about this trade.

A Safe Base

The landlord of the Seven Stars at the time was William Thompson. He was very supportive of Clarkson's mission. The pub became a secret base for Clarkson's important research. He used it to learn more about the slave trade in Bristol. His work helped to bring about the end of slavery in the British Empire.

The Seven Stars remains a significant historical landmark in Bristol. It reminds us of the city's past and the brave people who fought for freedom.