Gordano Civic Society
Copyright © 2025 Gordano Civic Society
Founded 1956
Local History
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Portishead and the Gordano area have a fascinating history from Domesday Book times through to Victorian docks, railways and industry. |
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About Portishead Portishead has a brief mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, but settlements in the area go back to the Iron Age. At the heart of the town is the Victorian High Street. |
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Listed Buildings Portishead has four Conservation Areas and there is one in Weston-in-Gordano and one in Walton-in-Gordano. There are 37 listed buildings in the Portishead area. |
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Power Stations Portishead used to have two coal fired power stations. The first, Portishead A was built in 1929 and the second, Portishead B in 1955. The last remains – the chimneys – were demolished in 1992. |
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Docks and Industry The docks were built in the 19th century and various industries grew up around them. The docks are now a marina and the petroleum and phosphorus plants and timber wharfs are gone. More on Petroleum industry >> |
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Portishead’s two railways The first was the branch line from Bristol, which is currently closed to passenger traffic, but expected to reopen in 2028. More details >> The second railway was the Weston, Clevedon & Portishead Light Railway which connected the three towns from 1907 until 1940. More details >> |
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Interpretation boards The Society has erected interpretation boards at various locations. |
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Memorial Inscriptions All the Memorial Inscriptions at St. Peter’s Parish Church, Portishead have been transcribed and can be searched. Over 4,400 names are recorded. |