Much of the history of Bristol is founded on its port being a gateway to the British Empire. Hundreds of thousands of ships and sailors shifted wealth from one nation to another. Where ships and wealth sailed, so did pirates. This is the story of one unfortunate pirate, Captain Black. Join him on his final walk up Christmas Steps.

The Story  Listen now

Directions Listen now 

To download the story or walking directions, right-click on the respective link (or ctrl-click for a Mac) and save the .mp3 file.

The walk begins at the top of Broad St where it meets Corn St. At this point is located the Bristol Council Registry Office. Captain Black begins his journey behind the barred windows at the base of this building on the Broad St side.

Walk down Broad St toward the ‘City Gates’ which form part of the Church of St John.

Pass through the ‘City Gates’ and then head straight across the road toward the dual carriageway; cross the dual carriageway at the traffic-lights. You will then be on a traffic-island. Bearing to the left, cross the second stretch of the dual carriageway and head toward the Statue of St Bartholomew sat on his horse.

Turn left at St Bartholomew, walk under the covered alleyway and this will bring you to the bottom of Christmas steps, which is also where the Statue of the Madonna is located [behind a covered entrance.]

Begin up the Christmas Steps. At the top, to the left, is the Almshouse. The second level of the Steps begins across the road from the top of the first. At the top of the second level, look slightly to your left and you will see the final flight of steps. At the top of these is the Church of St Michaels, where the tour ends