Bloody hill...

Unfortunately, I had to climb this hill more often than I'd like. Not as often as University of Bristol students, though. I feel really sorry for them, waking up early to go to class and facing this street every morning... because St Michael's Hill is what I call a "bloody hill"!

It's not only me, though. I am sure students will agree with my description as well as anybody who lives or works in that steep street. You look up from the crossroad with Perry Road and your muscles will start to complain, screaming: "Please, don't go up the hill!"

However, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, right? If you forget about the gigantic physical effort you are making and look around, you will actually be able to enjoy several things on your way up.

At the very beginning of the steep climb, you can see the St Michael on the Mount Without church. The tower dates from the 15th century although the rest of the building was rebuilt between 1775-1777 by Thomas Paty. Although it is in very poor conditions nowadays, it has been graded as grade II* listed building by the English Heritage.I didn't know about the English Heritage grades on buildings before so I did a little bit of research on grades. Listing buildings helps us understand the English history and marks a building's special architectural and historic interest (more info here). It turns out graded II* listed buildings are buildings "particularly important of more than special interest". Only 5.5% of listed buildings are from this category.

The timber-framed houses near St Michael's church have been converted into attractive colourful buildings with pleasant gardens behind. These houses are dated from 1670s and the houses further up in the hill date from 18th century. The steep climb from the cramped alleys of the old city ensured that the area was high above the insalubrious dockside smell, while a step beyond lay the open countryside at that time.

On the right side little bit further up, there is the Colston's Almshouses. It is a historic building founded by Edward Colston for 24 inmates built in 1691. The building as well as the front wall and gates have been designated by English Heritage as a grade I listed building and according to the English Heritage, Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important and only 2.5% of listed buildings are this grade. 

So, remember to spot and pay attention to those historic buildings next time you climb up St Michael's Hill and if needed, just stop at Colston Arms for a pint of beer or cider.

"Alcohol may not be good for you... but surely better than this Bloody Hill!"

INTERESTING LINKS

English Heritage - Listed Buildings WEBSITE:
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/listing/listed-buildings/
St Michael's Hill WEBSITE:
http://www.about-bristol.co.uk/out-04.asp