History

Bishopston is named after the bishop of the local diocese who controversially sold off the church's land to private developers in the 19th century. The sale was even raised in the House of Commons.

By 1862 the population stood at 1,300, expanding to 9,140 by 1901 and 11,996 by 2001.

The district is part of northern Bristol's built- up area, running into the districts of Redland, Ashley Down, Horfield and Henleaze.

Fame and celebrities

Filming for cult 1980s BBC sitcom The Young Ones was done in Codrington Road and the bank-robbing scene in the last episode was filmed outside the now closed Bristol North Swimming Baths on Gloucester Road.

Bishopston was home to Nobel Prize-winning physicists – Paul Dirac, in 1933, and Cecil Frank Powell, in 1950 – and to TV presenter Adam Hart-Davis and psychologist Susan Blackmore.

Famous film star Cary Grant attended Bishop Road School.

Shopping

Gloucester Road, the main route through Bishopston, is known far and wide for its independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, while the fairly traded and local goods available, has made it popular with ecologically-minded shoppers. Bishopston Trading Company is a fair trade outfit whose sole aim is to provide employment for the people of a village in India, with which there has been a partnership since 1985. Through www.bishopston trading.co.uk, the company sells cotton clothing for all the family, accessories and fabric.

Leisure

Gloucestershire County Cricket Club's ground is off Nevil Road, and also hosts international cricket matches. Kings Tennis Club is based at Maplemeade, King's Drive, while for walking and picnicking, try St Andrew's Park, and for exercise there's Horfield Leisure Centre (with gym, classes and pool) just up the road or Yogawest, in Denmark Place.

Eating

We particularly like family-owned eclectic restaurant Delmonico's, and the Tino Lounge does fab snacks and chocolate brownies to die for.

Info

For local activities and community matters, check out the online magazine www.bishopston matters.co.uk. For a pet cat, see The Moggery rehab and rehoming centre at 65 Longmead Avenue.