Keynsham & Saltford
Local History Society
Maps, Useful Information & FAQs
On this page you will find access to an old map of Keynsham, which was put on display at our 'Pop-Up Museum' in 2023. This map was of particular interest to visitors who have lived in Keynsham and helped them to see what the towns were like in the 1880s. This map can be zoomed in or out to see additional detail.
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We have also added some useful websites and links that visitors may find of use.
Visitors may also find the below link to the website 'Bath and North East Somerset - Know Your Place' of interest. This site provides access to maps and locations of historical interest for the Bristol area. Others are available.
Useful Links & Services
Below we have provided links and details of websites and organisations that may be of use to anyone interested in local history. Click on the image and it will take you to the website.
The Samson Boss
What is it?
The image you can see to the left is a photograph of a large 'ceiling boss' discovered during the archaeological digs that took place on the site of Keynsham Abbey between the 1960s-1990s. This 'boss' has been called 'Samson and the Lion' but there is some debate as to whether it is Samson or of 'David and the Lion'. This boss was sent to Rome for examination and returned to the BANES archives. At some point, it would be lovely to have this stunning item of medieval stonemasonry on permanent display within Keynsham.
The Great Flood of 1968
What caused it?
Initially it was thought to have been caused by a bridge parapet on the Winford Brook suddenly collapsing under the enormous pressure of
floodwater and debris. It released many tonnes of water downstream and the sudden rush of water had a domino effect. It built up against the next bridge downstream until that too gave way, and thus the growing wave swept away one bridge or bridge parapet after another. The design of the bridges with narrow arches and masonry parapets meant the arches quickly became blocked with trees and other debris. This built up a mass of water that was suddenly released as the parapet or entire
bridge gave way.
Credit: Extracted from Brian Vowles presentation on the Great Flood of Keynsham.
Common abbreviations in history
Abbreviations used by historians and on this website
Within historical writing (including this website), abbreviations are a common feature. To assist, we have listed some of the more common abbreviations:
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CE - Common era. It is a secular term used for the same years as AD (Anno Domino). ​
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ASC - Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. A set of annals listing dates and events in history.
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K&S LHS - Keynsham and Saltford Local History Society.