Barb Drummond

I am a local historian in Bristol England who writes, photographs,  gives talks  and leads walks in the city.  My interests cover art and architecture, family and social history. 

I have been involved in the Clifton, Southbank and Totterdown Arts Trails and have done research for the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum.  I have appeared on BBC local radio and BBC Radio 6 . I've taught a day school at the Folk House on Bristol's Georgian buildings in 2005.  In October 2006 I gave a talk 'Escape from the City' at Clifton Library.  I was involved in the one day museum on the Totterdown Arts Trail, Southville Centre Fair and the Create Centre Xmas fair.  I have also participated in the The Pierian Centre, St Paul's  'Slavery Power and Freedom' weekend to celebrate the anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade on 24/25 March 2007 and various other fairs and markets. 

I have led a series of historic walks - see relevant page

My article on Bristol born abolitionist and the world's first female doctor, Elizabeth Blackwell can be found at www.brycchancarey.com/abolition/index.htm

I am currently working with a local illustrator and designer on a book of Bristol's historic streets.  Publication date tba, hopefully within our own lifetimes....  Also several other projects and collaborations..

I appeared on my tv - HTV series 'Up on the Downs - Four Seasons on Bristol Downs' in which I explained some history of the area whilst battling against gale force winds and hypothermia.  The series ran Thursdays @ 7.30 pm from December 6th.  My slot was on winter, on December 13th.

I will be leading two history walks for the Bristol Ramblers, both of which begin at Bristol Bridge at 6.30 pm and head south into areas of the city seldom explored except by locals. On 17 June 'Deepest Bemmie' will head south via Temple Church and St Mary Redcliffe, Victoria Park and the remains of St Johns. On 22 July 'Along the Cut' we will follow the old route of the Avon, then along the New Cut to end at Hotwells. Both are mostly either off road or following quiet streets.    

On 16 July at 6pm I will be leading a walk round Castle Park for Stanford's bookshop on Clare St. The walk costs £3, and wine and book sales will be available at the shop at the end. Contact Stanfords on 929 9966 for booking. This has already sold out so another is scheduled for Thursday 7 August. This has already sold out and a book is in preparation, and will be on sale August 2008.

I am working on a number of new books, some on Bristol's history and several further abroad.

'Victoria Park The People's Park' is now on sale in  Grant Bradley Gallery, Bedminster library,  Bristol Record Office, F1 gifts,  Waterstones The Galleries, and Circles Books, Bloom & Curl Colston St, with more outlets tbc. Price includes a £1 donation to Victora Park Action Group. It tells the story of why the park was built and provides maps so changes over the years can be noted. See separate page. This was reviewed in the Evening Post on Tuesday 15 April - see PDF version on relevant page.

To start the ball rolling on a possible book on memories of Victoria Park, severalwalks were held round the park to encourage people to contribute.

LOSING EL DORADO Scots in Latin America is now available - see relevant page.

BRISTOL GYRATORY QUIRKY CIRCUIT WALK is now on sale. This is my first full colour book, with great photos and maps which lead the reader on a tour of exploration of the city. For those who think they know the city and those who wish they did. See relevant page. BBC Radio Bristol will be featuring items from the book every morning about 10.15am from 11-15th August

Ffi: barbdrummond@hotmail.com 

or 0117 9539388/ 07792 543490

More books and events to follow...