Memories of Willsbridge

historybuff, on August 9, 2007, said:

A view of the entrance to the old coal dramway tunnel it was once used by Bristol people as a air-raid shelter during the Second World War now owned by Bristol Water Works and is home to many rare bats.

During the Bristol blitz people walked in from the city and outskirts in droves, some pushing prams, and then walked back again in the morning. The pub brought them warmth, companionship, food, drink, and fun, in those frightening times.

Favourite songs were sung to the accompaniment of the back room piano, and local lore has it that Russ Conway, in his pre-stardom days, was one of those pianists.

A war time event creating a great deal of excitement locally was the crash landing of a Spitfire on land just behind The Queen’s Head rank. This was the only Spitfire in the Kingswood area to do so. According to those who remember, the incident boosted Queen’s Head trade, and the drinkers were not just curious onlookers. R.A.F. staff involved were delighted to find a pub so close to hand.

Over 3000 free to view historic Bristol photographs visit my website www.bristolhistory.com