landmark

Ursa The Bear

Ursa The Bear is a sculpture by Jamie Gillman which stood on top of a building in The Bearpit from 2013-2019, since when it has been in storage.

Ursa was removed as part of Bristol City Council repossessing the site, which had been managed by The Bearpit Improvement Group and PRSC since 2010.

A petition to retain the statue received over 4,000 signatures which triggered a council debate. Since it’s removal the statue has been the subject of several campaigns calling for its reinstatement.

An image of Ursa was used on the 23-24 away kit of the Bristol Bears rugby team.

The Bearpit

The Bearpit is the name used locally to refer to St James Barton roundabout in the city centre. It takes its name from the sunken area in the centre of the roundabout.

From 2013 to 2019 it was home to Ursa The Bear.

The Arches

The Arches is the name used locally to refer to the railway bridge that crosses Gloucester Road close to it’s junction with Cotham Brow.

Image by Sharon Loxton, licensed under Creative Commons