A new heritage board featuring highlights of Kingswood’s history was officially unveiled in the park today.
The Friends of Kingswood Park installed the board with the help of Kingswood History Society. The artwork was done by the Bristol illustrator Sam Church.
The board, pictured above, says: “Welcome to one of the finest parks in the Bristol area. Kingswood has a fascinating history, characterised by independence, innovation, industry and sometimes lawlessness! We hope you enjoy this wonderful park and find out about some of the industries and characters that have made Kingswood great.”
Featured on the board are mining in Kingswood Chase, the infamous Cock Road Gang, the Whitfield Tabernacle, the town’s shoe trade, Douglas Motorcycles and the planetary scientist Professor Colin Pillinger, who was born and educated in Kingswood.
Prof Pillinger is credited with inspiring many people to take an interest in space science and his widow Judith and sister Doreen Lindegaard were at the unveiling.
Others at the ceremony, pictured below, included Bill Douglas, whose great-grandfather founded the legendary motorcycle firm, local councillors and Mike Bendrey, from Kingswood Heritage Museum.
Find the board near the signpost in the middle of the park.
