"A working party equipped with oxy-acetylene cutting gear arrived to dismantle the iron gates and railings. Most co-operated reluctantly but one lady remonstrated so vehemently that her railings remained conspicuously intact throughout the War." Ken Whitrow, 1988.

Cities across the UK prepared for war using a variety of methods and techniques. Some methods, were temporary and easily removed, whilst others made a more-lasting impact on the landscape. Bristol's preparations took on a new urgency during the spring of 1939.

Buildings were taken over and shelters built. Vast emergency water tanks, first-aid points, observer posts, barrage balloons and gun emplacements appeared in anticipation of air raids. Black-out measures were taken in the city's streets while its open spaces became allotments. Ironwork such as railings, gates, lamp posts, benches and old tram tracks were removed for recycling as munitions and war machinery and many of these were never replaced.

Military barracks and temporary camps were set up to provide temporary accommodation for soldiers whilst some buildings were requisitioned for the same purpose - these included Clifton College, Muller's Orphanage and The Drill Hall in Old Market.

The way Bristol looked and felt was completely transformed and in some instances forever.