Our Story

Learning for pleasure

The Bristol Folk House is a special place, dedicated to providing a community space for education and it has survived many trials and tribulations since it started in 1920.

The Folk House is the oldest education centre in Bristol, with its origins dating back to 1887 in a docklands area of poverty and social deprivation. It has seen many changes since then. The school began with the aim of supporting access to education for the community. The Bristol Folk House has a very interesting history and you can read the full story below...


Read the full history

A photographic history

These photographs illustrate the lively and colourful history of the Folk House. If you have any of your own to add, please contact us.


1930s - 1940s


1950s


1960s


1970s - 1980s