North Street, Bristol : Shops, Shopping and Shoppers

More than 100 people were interviewed to collect these accounts of North Street, Bedminster shops, shopping and shoppers stretching back to the 1930s.

In the 18th century, North Street was just a muddy thoroughfare between toll-gates and the city of Bristol.

However, by the beginning of the 20th century, nearly every building was either a shop, pub, brewery or cigarette factory: Napoleon's 'nation of shopkeepers' had come of age.

Then came the two Wars - the 'golden years' of the 1960s - the rise of the supermarket - and the closure of the vast local cigarette factories and exodus of employees.

All these events are charted in this book. The story that emerges is not just a nostalgic look at 'better times'.

Despite a recent recession, trade is thriving again, and contemporary entrepreneurs are making their mark.

Between writing and publication, some of the shops described here have gone, but new businesses have already taken their place.

As well as tracing the history of shopping in this part of Bristol, the authors reflect on what the future holds for suburban high streets which have seen their fortunes wax and wane over the years. By presenting an overview of the whole street through a comprehensive collection of tales and photographs - many never previously published - the book celebrates life in a community.

Policy makers, students of urban renewal and people from other diverse 'village' communities will find much to think about here.

Above all, the authors wish to celebrate the simple pleasures of feeling part of a place.

Pat Hooper, John Holland and Martin Howard all live locally and shop in North Street every single week.My hope for the future of North Street is that it reinforces its distinctive local independent culture, that it provides a genuine alternative to the bland superstores and becomes the natural meeting place for all who are fortunate enough to live and work nearby.

This book invites readers to form their own vision for local shopping.

Long may North Street flourish!George Ferguson, Mayor of Bristol