Westbury-on-Trym facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Westbury on Trym |
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 Westbury-on-Trym War Memorial |
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 Boundaries of the city council ward |
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| Population | 10,754 (2011.Ward) |
| OS grid reference | ST570773 |
| Unitary authority | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BRISTOL |
| Postcode district | BS9/10 |
| Dialling code | 0117 |
| Police | Avon and Somerset |
| Fire | Avon |
| Ambulance | Great Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Westbury on Trym is a lively area in the north of Bristol, England. It's a suburb and also a council ward. You can find it close to other Bristol areas like Stoke Bishop and Henleaze.
This place gets part of its name from the River Trym. This river flows right through the area.
Contents
Discovering Westbury on Trym's Past
Westbury on Trym has a history even older than Bristol itself! Back in the 6th century, it was part of a kingdom called Hwicce. Later, in the 7th century, it became part of Mercia.
Early Beginnings and Name Origins
The first time Westbury was written down was between 793 and 796. It was called Uuestburg. The word -burg or -bury comes from an old English word, burh. This word usually meant a fort. But it could also mean a strong house or a special church called a minster.
The name might mean there was already a minster church here in the 700s. It's not clear why it was called "west." Maybe it was the westernmost minster in the Hwicce kingdom.
Monasteries and Colleges
In the late 700s, King Offa of Mercia gave land in Westbury to his helper, Aethelmund. Later, in the early 800s, the land went to the Bishop of Worcester.
A monastery was built in Westbury. At first, it might have had married priests. But by the late 900s, Oswald of Worcester sent 12 monks. They followed stricter rules at the Westbury monastery. A new church and other buildings were built by an architect named Ednoth.
The monastery later became a college in the late 1200s. It had a dean and canons. In the mid-1400s, it was rebuilt to look like a small castle. It even had turrets and a gatehouse!
Westbury College's Later Years
Westbury College was closed down in 1544. This was part of the Dissolution of the monasteries. It then became a private home. During the English Civil War, Prince Rupert of the Rhine used it as his base. In 1643, he ordered it to be burned. This stopped the Parliamentarians from using it.
In the 1900s, some college buildings were fixed up. The Westbury College Gatehouse is now looked after by the National Trust. The land around it was made into homes for elderly people.
Holy Trinity Church
The main church in Westbury on Trym is the Church of the Holy Trinity. It dates back to 1194. However, people have worshipped on this spot since 717! The church has parts from the early 1200s and 1400s. It is a very important historic building.
Growing into a Suburb
Westbury on Trym was once a large old parish. It included areas like Stoke Bishop and Redland. In the 1920s and 30s, the village started to grow. Many houses were built, turning it into a large suburb of Bristol. This building continued until the 1960s, except during World War II.
Falcondale Road was built in the 1930s. It helped traffic avoid the old village's narrow streets. Westbury-on-Trym became a special conservation area in 1971. This means its historic character is protected.
Things to Do and See
Westbury on Trym has many shops and places to eat. The High Street offers different restaurants and several pubs.
Shopping and Food
The village centre is great for shoppers. You can find banks and unique stores. There are book shops, craft stores, and florists. You'll also find a few charity shops. There are two free car parks. A medium-sized supermarket is also in the village.
In 2001, a big supermarket was planned. But many local people were against it. So, the plan was stopped. In 2013, a smaller supermarket opened. This also caused a lot of discussion in the village.
Schools in the Area
Westbury on Trym has several schools. These include Elmlea Infant School and Elmlea Junior School. There's also Bristol Free School and Westbury on Trym Church of England Academy.
There are also famous independent girls' schools. These include Badminton, which has taught famous people like Indira Gandhi. Another is Red Maids', which is the oldest girls' school still open in England.
Other Facilities
A new doctors' surgery has been built near Holy Trinity Church. This helps local people get medical care. Canford Cemetery opened in 1903. It also has a crematorium.
Getting Around Westbury on Trym
The A4018 is a main road here. It goes from the city centre to Cribbs Causeway. Westbury is served by several bus routes. These include routes 1, 10, 11, 13, 623, and T7. The T7 bus connects Westbury-on-Trym to Chepstow. The closest train station is Sea Mills station.
Famous People from Westbury on Trym
Many interesting people have lived in or had connections to Westbury on Trym.
- William Canynge (1400s): A rich merchant from Bristol. He was the dean of Westbury College for a few years.
- Bishop John Carpenter (1399–1476): An English Bishop. He was baptised and buried in the Holy Trinity Church.
- John Wedgwood (1766–1844): The son of the famous potter Josiah Wedgwood. He lived in Cote House from 1797 to 1806. He was a horticulturist, meaning he studied and grew plants.
- Robert Southey (1774–1843): A famous poet. He lived in the village for a year around 1798. He wrote many poems here. He was friends with the Wedgwoods and the chemist Humphry Davy. Southey even took part in Davy's experiments with laughing gas!
- William Pennefather (1816-1873): An Irish clergyman known for his hymns. He went to school here in the 1820s.
- Amelia Edwards (1831–1892): A traveller, writer, and Egyptologist. She lived in Eastfield, in the village, from about 1864 to 1892.
- Dolly Tree (1899–1962): An actress and Hollywood costume designer. She was born here.
- Alice Roberts (born 1973): A well-known TV presenter. She is an anatomist and osteoarchaeologist. She has presented shows like Time Team.
- Sunetra Sarker (born 1973): An actress who lives in the area.
- Luke Spokes (born 2000): A footballer for Chippenham Town F.C..
