IN PHOTOS: The History of Pennywell, does this bring back any memories?

The first two photos show Pennywell before urban development taken place. Traditionally known as “Pennywell Hill” the area derived its name from old Celtic with “Penn” meaning hill (compare: Penshaw) and of course “well” being self-explanatory. An old gill used to run through the area, hence it was a hill with a spring of water running through it.

A view of the old Pennywell shops in the early days of the estate, before this became housing.

A carnival parade going through Pennywell in the 1960s

A closer up view of the Pennywell shops. The life, atmosphere and feel of the whole estate seems very different to today.

The former Pennywell Comprehensive School, dated 1970