Bristol Municipal Charities (1884 to 1938)

Stories and memories from this period of the building’s life.

The earliest known photograph of Quay Head House, taken in 1906 for Bristol Municipal Charities’ survey of its properties. The White Lion is on the left.

Easter 1906: the earliest photograph

Over a hot, dry Easter in 1906, a photographer walked Bristol recording every property the charity owned. His picture of Quay Head House is the oldest we know of.

Quay Head House in May 2026: the left-hand doorway, the painted shields under the first-floor windows, the balustrade and the central gable with its fan panel.

Bristol Municipal Charities (1884 to 1938)

Reading the front of the building

Quay Head House was built to impress. Here is how to read its brick, terracotta and painted shields, with help from the official listing.

The front of Quay Head House in June 2019.

Bristol Municipal Charities (1884 to 1938)

1850 or 1884? Help us settle it

Some sources say this was a merchant’s house built in 1850. The evidence points firmly to 1884 charity offices. Here is why, and what would settle it for good.