Walk along the pavements of Bristol and you will soon come across curious metal pillars, believed to be air vents for underground transformers. Adam Smith is trying to get some information for a project he is working on related to these vents. He has started a blog here where he hopes to collate more details. Can anybody help with either the vents’ purpose or their locations?
I always thought they were simply sewer vents?
I always thought they had something to do with old conduits that run beneath the city – like St. John’s Conduit. Never given it too much, though.
…never given it too much thought, rather.
vent for an electricity sub-station!
I was told they were air vents for coal mining shafts and have seen many around St George. This could be the best theory as they are more plentiful in the historical mining areas of Bristol. As you pass one put your ear to it and listen to the air flow, whilst watching out for any bewildered onlookers. They also let out warm air in winter! They are very unusual and I was wondering if they exist beyond Bristol?
…and here’s a useful map http://tiles.mapbox.com/norfolkadam/map/map-qypltp92#13.00/51.4620/-2.5693
They are definitely vents for underground sub-stations. I’ve manage to track down quite a few through Street View, Flickr, helpful emails and rambling. I’m now running a website with more information about them on at:
http://www.bristollighthouses.co.uk
Thanks to all the commenters and email for your help so far! It looks like I’ll be on BBC Radio Bristol tomorrow morning to talk about the project.