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In photos: Hidden Stories of the Christmas Steps
Millions of people have lived and worked in our city across the centuries.
It would be impossible for us to identify all of the historic figures who have passed through Bristol.
But what if you got to meet some of them?
is needed now More than ever
People like Carlos Trower, ‘The African Blondin’, an African-American tight rope walker and abolitionist who lived in Bristol during the nineteenth century. Or Mrs Shufflewick, otherwise known as Rex Jameson, who was a popular mid-20th century drag queen.
After a successful debut of their ‘Hidden Stories of the Steps’ project last year, The Invisible Circus, a Bristol-based theatre and circus company, returned to the Christmas Steps on Saturday for their interactive display of characters from Bristol’s recent past.
From 1.30-6pm, performers gathered around the Christmas Steps to retell the stories of these Bristol legends to interested passers-by.
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Becky Boucherat, project manager of The Invisible Circus’ Hidden Stories of the Steps project, said: “Thanks to the incredible true stories unearthed by Dr. Paul Green, we’ve been spoiled for inspiration!
“Hidden Stories of Christmas Steps promises a wild ride through Bristol’s past, where fact meets fiction, and history blends with art.
“We’re collaborating with local businesses and residents to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Christmas Steps today, while weaving in the twists, turns, and mysteries of its colourful past.”
Doug Francisco, creative director of The Invisible Circus, added: ”We’ve been bringing the unseen histories and untold stories to life for decades, and now we’re unlocking one of Bristol’s best-kept secrets – Christmas Steps.
“Hidden tales are everywhere, and we’re digging deep into Bristol’s past to reveal the not only dark and mysterious, but the downright beautiful too. This area is bursting with history, the ancient steps paved in myth and legend, and we’re excited to write a new chapter while we uncover old ones.”
Hidden Stories of the Steps is part of the City Centre and High Streets Economic Recovery Culture and Events Programme, which is funded by Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority.
The total budget for the Culture and Events programme between 2024-2025 is £170,000 which is being used to support activities at the Christmas Steps, Old Market and Stokes Croft.
‘The African Blondin’
Nineteenth century surgeon Dr Richard Smith once bound a book in human skin
Mrs Shufflewick was a popular mid-20th century drag performer
All photos: Rob Browne
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