These fields are a window into Brislington's rural past, and they lie close to the heart of our community.
The map to the right was published in 1886 and shows the rural character of what was then the village of Brislington (notably said to have been one of the prettiest in Somerset). At first glance it presents a confusing picture of fields, but a closer examination reveals an intriguing structure.
From the Rock (top left) a footpath runs in an almost straight line, diagonally to the southeast (four o'clock). To the north of this path the fields are relatively large, open, and fairly regular in shape. To the south they are smaller, cluttered with trees (both in the fields and along the hedgerows), and are much more irregular.
The largest fields, adjacent to Broomhill Road (which arcs across the top of the map, and down to the right) were created at the enclosure of Brislington Common around 1780. The hedgerows to the south may be a living survival of Brislington's medieval past. Such ancient field patterns are relatively rare. They were usually located close to the centre of the community, and were therefore the first to be developed as the community grew. This process took its toll on Brislington's medieval fields, and this cluster may be all that is left. We cannot be sure without further research.
It is possible to estimate the age of hedgerows such as these, using a simple technique called Hooper's Rule, and these fields offer an excellent opportunity to test the method against two neighbouring field systems of significantly differing date.
These fields also offer much of ecological and recreational value, and the Friends of Victory Park are not only interested in assessing the site's importance to the local community, but also assisting in its development as an public amenity.
In the autumn of 2010 there was a public consultation regarding possible development of some or all of this site for housing and/or light industrial use, and although BCAP is strictly impartial in all matters of politics, religion, etc, etc, we issued a report on numerous aspects of archaeological interest there. The report is the product of a preliminary investigation only, and the site may well contain many as yet undiscovered clues to the story of how our community has changed - for better and for worse - through the centuries. Download our report.
In a press release issued by the Cabinet after its meeting on 7th December 2010, Bristol City Council announced that the fields they own around Victory Park (which are currently used for grazing animals) should not be sold for housing development. Councillors also stated that hedgerows bordering adjacent land should be protected. The ancient hedgerows and the field systems they contain were the main focus of BCAP's investigation (principally to determine their age), and we are heartened by the Council's concern and practical support for Brislington's living heritage.
If you know anything about the history and archaeology of these fields, or are interested in trying to find out more about them, please get in touch with the project coordinator, above.
