The Hole In The Wall

This Public House is one of many that were used by sailors and others in the Port of Bristol. There is a small spy hole on the side of the building which is said to have been used by a lookout to warn customers if there was any chance of Customs men or a Press Gang heading towards the inn. During the eighteenth century conditions aboard ship were so poor that very few people chose to go to sea. It was common for the Royal Navy to send teams of men to collect drunks and those who could not run away and force (or press) them into naval service. Once on board ship and at sea the man could not just go home, and many young men were forced into a life at sea this way. There were also raids by Customs Officers (Excise Men) searching for smugglers, and so any advanced warning of trouble coming was welcomed!