Our History

"You matter because you are you. You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can to help you not only to die peacefully, but also to live until you die." Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the modern hospice movement.

In 1969, a group of people got together to discuss a hospice for Bristol. Among them were doctors, nurses, a solicitor, a surgeon and others who were keen to transform how people were cared for at the end of their lives. The group was inspired by the vision of Dame Cicely Saunders - the woman now known as the founder of the modern hospice movement. 

When Cicely came to Bristol to speak at a public meeting, enthusiasm for a hospice in Bristol soared. There was a pause in momentum after the death of one of the original group’s members. Then, in 1977, fundraising for a Bristol hospice finally began. 

Why St Peter's?

We're named after St Peter's Hospital, which once stood in Bristol's Castle Park. It was destroyed during the Blitz in November 1940.

1978: We hold a public meeting in Cotham advertised as 'Why a Hospice?'

1978: Olive Martel is the first community nurse appointed. We have four on the team by the end of the year.

1980: St Peter's Lodge takes in its first patient, with beds for six more patients.

1981: We open our first shop on Wells Road in Knowle.

1986: Our new building in Knowle is officially opened.

1988: We open our education centre.

1990: 600 patients are treated each year.

1992: We set up our fundraising office.

1995: We launch our Hospice at Home service.

1998: There are now 20 shops across Bristol.

1998: Our new purpose-built hospice at Brentry is opened by John Pool MBE.

1999: Our first occupational therapist is appointed.

2002: We recruit more community nurse specialists.

2004: Our 25th Anniversary is marked by a visit from HRH The Earl of Wessex.

2011: Thanks to a grant from the Department of Health, we create a new reception, coffee shop and ambulance entrance.

2012: 2,675 patients are treated per year.

2013: With another Department of Health grant, we build the Garden Rooms.

2016: Our Room to Care Appeal is launched by actress Caroline Quentin to fund a new hospice building fit for the 21st century. We secure major support from the John James Foundation.

2018: Our new hospice building is complete, with 15 individual inpatient rooms. 

2019: HRH The Duke of Kent officially opens the new Inpatient Unit.

2020: We respond rapidly to the COVID-19 pandemic to continue caring for patients and families. 

2021: We celebrate the 40th anniversary of our charity shops.

2022: We deliver community day services at The Park Centre in Knowle.

2024: We open our first superstore on the Clifton Triangle.

2025: To address misconceptions about who we are and who we support, we update our strapline to 'For all, for free, forever'.