Brooks Dye Works

In its heyday, Brooks Dye Works was one of the city’s major employers, and many of the terraced houses of St Werburghs and St Pauls were home to its workforce. Alfred Brooks took the business from strength to strength, after having bought out his uncle’s share of the business and setting up on his own in 1862. For more than 130 years, Brooks Dye Works provided Bristolians with a range of great dyeing, cleaning and ironing facilities. During both world wars it was all hands on deck, and Brooks Dye Works played a huge part in helping out. Their services were invaluable in keeping sheets and uniforms clean for Britain’s troops and medical personnel. Although the function of the factory evolved throughout the years, it remained a prominent part of Bristol’s history for a very long time. As dyeing became less of an essential part of life, business slowed for Brooks Dye Works and it finally closed its doors in 2007, leaving the chimney a proud reminder of times gone by. Once thought to be Bristol’s tallest chimney, in its time this iconic landmark towered as much as 20 feet taller than it does today. The name of Brooks Dye Works, spelled out in white bricks down the length of its chimney, still shines out across Bristol. This historic site has played a huge part in Bristol’s history, and this exciting new development is the next step in its journey.