The steps of Goldney Lane provide a route between Clifton Village and Bristol’s Floating Harbour, that offers views across the Cumberland Basin to the old Bond Warehouses and the countryside beyond - including Ashton Court Estate.
These steps are next to Goldney Hall, a University of Bristol hall of residence. The Halls of residence feature an 18th-century manor house in Bristol, England. Its history is defined by the wealthy merchants and industrialists who developed the house and its Grade II*-listed gardens, which famously feature an elaborate shell-lined grotto.
The hall is named for the Goldney family, who built and expanded the property, and whose wealth is tied to Bristol's role in the transatlantic slave trade. After the Goldneys, the property passed through the hands of other prominent Bristol families.
- Lewis Fry: The Quaker chocolate manufacturer and Liberal MP purchased the estate in 1864 and commissioned architect Alfred Waterhouse to extensively remodel the house.
- The Wills and Eberle families: The house was later bought by Sir George Wills in 1921. His daughter and her husband, Ellison Eberle, undertook a significant restoration of the house and gardens in the 1930s before Eberle sold the estate.
- University of Bristol: The university purchased the hall and grounds in 1956 and converted it into a residence for female students. Modern student accommodation blocks were later built in the grounds - which you can see directly from the top of Goldney Lane, further up towards Clifton Village.
Sometimes the University allows visitors on special open days to see the Grade 1 listed Grotto building, orangery and gardens. This is well worth it if you can - it is beautiful and has been featured in many TV series including Sherlock.
This is our first Geocache hide - we hope that you enjoy it!