Talks & Walks

RIOT! The Bristol Bridge Massacre of 1793

Michael Manson will illuminate one of the darker periods in Bristol’s history.
In 1793, a crowd gathered to object to the continuation of a toll to cross Bristol Bridge. After several days of protest the militia opened fire on the crowd killing 14 people.
At the inquests that followed it was realised that this was a terrible mistake. The crowd were not revolutionaries but respectable men and women. The massacre was subsequently hushed up.
Michael Manson is the author of: Riot! The Bristol Bridge Massacre of 1793 (Past and Present Press) 1998. Reprinted by Bristol Books 2013 and Tangent Books 2016.
Manson’s Bristol Miscellany

Bristol - based author Michael Manson will talk about how he wrote the Bristol Miscellany and give tips to any aspiring local historians. Includes a quiz!
Manson’s Bristol Miscellany is Michael’s search for the soul of the city. Accessibly written, it contains a wide range of historical information including chapters on: the landscape; the development of the city; business and trade; law and order; public housing, development of the health services, the contribution of the arts, the built environment and so much more.
The Bristol Miscellany is extensively illustrated with some striking images.
Michael writes: I’ve lived in Bristol for over 40 years and I’m still finding new corners, new streets, new communities even. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in Bristol’s history. I’d be delighted if the Miscellany helps readers to see their environment just that little bit more clearly.
Vice and Virtue – Discovering the story of Old Market.

‘Medieval Market’, ‘bustling High Street’, ‘wild west’, ‘a wasteland’, ‘massage parlours’, ‘gay area’, ‘up and coming’.
Old Market conjures up a myriad of conflicting associations in the minds of Bristolians.
Michael Manson will talk about Vice and Virtue, Discovering the Story of Old Market and reveal the story of Old Market’s brightest hour as part of Bristol’s shopping Golden Mile, the riotous inter-war years, the impact of the war, the post war decline brought by the redevelopment of the city centre, and recent revival.
Michael Manson is the author of Vice & Virtue
Making History Workshop

Two hour workshop aimed at those interested in historical writing and research. Maximum 12 participants
Further details on request.
All talks – apart from the Making History Workshop last for approximately one hour.
Contact Mike to discuss fees

Contact Mike for details, prices and bookings. He also offers one-to-one mentoring for novel and history writing.

Talks & Walks

Bristol Beyond the Bridge

Take an urban journey through the old streets of Redcliffe, Temple and St Thomas. MichaelManson will help us re-imagine how Bristol developed from Saxon times to the present day - and transform your view of familiar streets into something new and unexpected.
Michael Manson is the author of Bristol Beyond the Bridge
Duration : One hour.
Meet : Car Park, Redcliffe Parade East.
The story of Old Market

Take a walk through Old Market, and discover the hidden story of this ancient and often overlooked street.
Once part of Bristol’s ‘golden mile’, you will learn about Old Market’sillustrious, and not so illustrious, past including interwar riots, post-war decline and current rejuvenation.
Duration : One hour.
Meet : Outside Stag and Hounds, Old Market Street.
The Bristol Bridge Massacre of 1793

1793 was a year of financial crisis, civic corruption and public protest. After 25 years the hated toll to cross Bristol Bridge was due to cease. But was it?
Writer and historian Michael Manson will take us through a darker moment in Bristol’s history. He will outline the dreadful sequence of events that led to one of the worst civilian massacres of eighteenth century Britain: the little known Bristol Bridge protests.
Michael Manson is the author of Riot! The Bristol Bridge Massacre of 1793 (Tangent Books).
Duration : One hour
Meet : Castle Park side of Bristol Bridge