Many visitors to Alveston House Hotel ask about the hotels history and its previous occupants.

One famous family – the Barnwells – lived in the house during the 20’s and 30’s.  Captain Frank Barnwell lived with his wife Marjorie and 3 sons, David, John and Richard at Alveston House after moving to the area to work at Filton where Captain Barnwell was Chief Engineer. 

Frank Barnwell and his brother Harold designed a prototype aeroplane in Scotland and Harold Barnwell piloted the first ever powered flight there at Causewayhead near Stirling on 28th July 1090. The 100th anniversary of this successful flight was celebrated in Scotland this weekend.

Sadly Captain Barnwell was tragically killed in Bristol in 1938 when piloting a small aircraft he had designed and built himself.   The family experienced further tragedy when, one by one, each of the boys were killed during the war aged 19, 20 and 24.

 If you have any knowledge of the history of the Hotel please do get in touch as we would love to hear from you…