Blaise Castle
An Ancient Site with Deep Roots
Blaise Castle, overlooking Bristol, is more than just an 18th-century folly. The hill it stands on has been significant for thousands of years. Archaeologists have found traces of an Iron Age hillfort, as well as Roman villas and settlements, showing that this land was valued long before the castle existed. During the medieval period, the area was part of Henbury parish, and a chapel dedicated to Saint Blaise gave the estate its name.
Click here to watch our video exploring Blaise Castle and discover its history.
- Region
- South West, England
- Period
- 18th Century
- Type
- Folly
- Condition
- Intact
- Ownership
- Local Authority
- Access
- Public - Free
The Creation of Blaise Castle
In 1766, Thomas Farr, a wealthy Bristol sugar merchant, commissioned architect Robert Mylne to build Blaise Castle. Designed as a decorative Gothic folly, the castle was never intended for defence. Its battlements and towers were meant to impress visitors and enhance the surrounding landscape. The construction cost around £3,000, an enormous sum at the time, reflecting Farr’s wealth and ambition.
Thomas Farr’s Lost Fortune
Despite his ambitious plans, Farr’s fortune was fragile. His wealth, tied to the sugar trade, suffered during the American War of Independence when shipping routes were disrupted and some of his vessels were blockaded or captured. Falling sugar prices left him unable to meet his debts, and he was declared bankrupt, leaving the castle as a striking reminder of a lost fortune.
Transformation Under the Harford Family
In 1789, John Scandrett Harford, a Bristol banker, purchased the estate. He worked with landscape designer Humphry Repton to create picturesque parkland, including rolling fields, wooded valleys, and scenic walking paths. The Harfords also added Blaise Hamlet, a group of charming thatched cottages that remain a highlight of the estate today.
Public Ownership and Preservation
In 1926, the estate was acquired by Bristol City Council and became a public park. Today, visitors can explore Blaise Castle, its gardens, woodland, and the storybook hamlet, enjoying a historic site that spans thousands of years of human activity.
Why Visit Blaise Castle Today?
Blaise Castle is a remarkable example of historic architecture, landscape design, and cultural heritage. From ancient forts and Roman settlements to Georgian follies and picturesque cottages, the estate offers a unique glimpse into Bristol’s rich past while providing a scenic green space for recreation and education.