IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Carmen Beckford Street, BS1 3FF

Two buildings in Stokes Croft. The Carriage Works, in the centre of the photo, was built in 1862 designed by the Bristol born architect E W Godwin in the "Bristol Byzantine" style. Its importance is recognised in the building's grade II* listing - see www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1025273. It was built as the manufacturing base and showrooms for Perry and Co, a leading carriage builder in the pre-motor age, the wide arches at ground floor level enabling the carriages to be moved out of the building. Later occupants included Anderson's Rubber Company followed by Regional Pools Promotions (see below). Beyond is Westmorland House (spelt Westmoreland by some, but without the second "e" would appear to be correct). This was designed by Bristol architects Ivor Day & O’Brien for a local company Regional Pools Promotions, who ran a national lottery scheme, part of the subscriptions to which went to the Spastics Society (as it was then, now Scope). The scheme was launched in 1957 but as it grew it needed larger premises (including, prior to this building, in The Carriage Works next door). It was opened on 14 January 1966 by the Countess of Westmorland, who was a patron of the Spastics Society. Previously the site had been occupied by a Georgian building called Croft House. Westmorland House was vacated by 1982 and has remained empty since, suffering fire and other damage and occupation by squatters, such that it is now totally derelict. For another photo of Westmorland House see Image As can be seen from the photo, both buildings now serve as a gallery for street art, a feature of much of the Stokes Croft area. Plans are now in place to demolish Westmorland House and put in a major housing development (a mix of affordable and private) together with commercial and community spaces on the combined site of both it and The Carriage Works (recognising the listed status of the latter), with the aim of fitting in with the nature of the Stokes Croft area.

View along Cheltenham Rd looking south from close to the junction with Ashley Rd where there is extensive graffiti on the derelict office buildings.

Work has recently been started to redevelop this Grade II former carriage works which has been derelict for over 30 years. There are plans for new homes, commercial properties and community space but residents of Stokes Croft are worried that this will cause the gentrification of the area, with only 9% of the new homes being affordable housing.

A severe but very handsome warehouse, built as Perry's Carriage Works by E.W. Godwin in 1862. The material is Pennant stone, and a little Bath stone for some of the dressings. A rhythmic and varied procession of arches on each floor, those on the ground floor originally open (now filled in and painted). Grade II* listed. Derelict at the time of the photo, and on English Heritage's Heritage at Risk Register.

Aka Westmoreland House. Derelict and windowless office block which has been subject to the depredations of several graffiti artists. The stuff at the top suggests a modicum of talent, but lower down facile slogans have been daubed across the walls - "AGAINST STATE REPRESSION" and "CHOKING ON YOUR FUMES".

There were two large old buildings here which were demolished in the last year.

Hooper House Cafe (formerly Kuvula Cafe) takes its name from the original occupants of the building over 100 years ago. In those days it was W.J.Hooper’s Fish and Poultry Market.

Now a charity shop, the old sign remains proudly on view. Note also the mixture of mural and graffiti.

A boutique charity shop raising funds for the local area. Also featuring a beautiful mural

Buildings on the west side of the A38 between the junctions with Jamaica Street and Nine Tree Hill (right). The second and third premises along from the latter form the former Swan Inn "Inn, now club. c1711, C19 front" https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1282098 .