University of Bristol: Air Raid Damage

Abstract

THE most serious damage to the University of Bristol during recent air raids was the loss of the Great Hall, gutted by fire. This hall, opened by the King in 1925, was a fine architectural feature with a hammer-beam roof and linenfold panelling of old English oak. With other buildings in the same block, it was the gift of Messrs. G. A. and H. H. Wills, and wood and stone carvers of the highest skill were brought from all parts of Great Britain for its construction. Since the arrival of King's College, London, the Hall had been used as a library and reading room for King's students, and the books it contained were all destroyed. A lecture room in the same building was also burnt. Another building which has been burnt out housed the anatomical dissecting room and theatre, portions of the Department of Geography and a unique collection of finds and exhibits of the Spelæological Society, which for many years has been active in the exploration of Mendip caves. The efforts of the A.R.P. guard, headed by Prof. C. M. Yonge, prevented fires from spreading to other departments. The roof of a new building to be used as an extension of the Library was burnt, but fortunately the University had not yet transferred any material into it. Other buildings, including the laboratories of physics and chemistry, suffered loss of windows by blast.