St. Mary Redcliffe Tram Rail
World War II air raids over Bristol dislodged this fragment of tram line that ended up embedded in a churchyard.
During the Bristol Blitz of 1940, a bomb exploded in a nearby street and threw a piece of tram rail over the houses into the St Mary Redcliffe churchyard, where it sank into the ground. The rail was left as a memorial.
The plaque in the churchyard explaining how this impressive monument escaped a dramatic ending sreads: “ON GOOD FRIDAY 11TH APRIL 1942 THIS TRAMLINE WAS THROWN OVER THE ADJOINING HOUSES BY A HIGH EXPLOSIVE BOMB WHICH FELL ON REDCLIFFE HILL. IT IS LEFT TO REMIND US HOW NARROWLY THE CHURCH ESCAPED DESTRUCTION IN THE WAR 1939-45”.
The Bristol Blitz took place during World War II. A series of air raids resulted in significant damage to the infrastructure, including the city center and industrial areas. The consequences were devastating: there were numerous deaths, the destruction of homes, and the displacement of thousands.
Despite the hardships, the resilience of Bristol’s citizens led to post-war rebuilding efforts and contributed to the city’s recovery and eventual restoration of its economic and social fabric.
Know Before You Go
To see the piece of tram rail, take a walk through the churchyard towards Colston Parade, it is right next to the fence that surrounds the garden.
Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders.
Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders.
Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook