Dowry Square

Constructed in the 1720s to provide accommodation for the Hotwells Spa, Dowry Square is one of the oldest squares in Bristol, with a rich history.  Initially the garden was laid out as a formal parterre, but was completely empty by the 1920s, and in WWII was used by a butcher to keep sheep.

Having survived the threat of wholesale redevelopment of the square in the 1960s, and after a period when most of the buildings were in commercial hands, it is now fully residential.  The garden has also been given new life as a wonderful community asset with wildlife pond, mature trees, lawn, children’s play equipment and yoga sessions - cared for by the Dowry Square community.  As a private garden, it is not normally open to the public.

From a historical perspective, Dowry Square’s main claim to fame is the discovery of nitrous dioxide by Humphry Davy during his spell as superintendent of Thomas Beddoes’ Pneumatic Institution in No. 6.  Other names associated with the square include Peter Roget (thesaurus), Jacob Schweppe (tonic water) and Samuel Taylor Coleridge (poet).

Dowry Square residents will be running history tours during Open Gardens weekend that include visits inside two of the square’s historic houses, which can be booked via the Dowry Square website www.dowrysquare.uk.