The beginnings of St Michael the Archangel, Two Mile Hill

Plans to create a new parish at Two Mile Hill were first discussed in 1846. At that time Two Mile Hill was a village somewhere between the small town of Kingswood and the hamlet of St. George! The church was consecrated by the Lord Bishop of Gloucester (St. Michael’s was then within the Diocese of Gloucester) on 22nd August 1848.

This area of south Gloucestershire was predominantly Methodist and was a stronghold of non-conformity in general, indeed, legend claims that John Wesley actually preached on the site of St. Michael’s. This may explain why congregations were low and funds were scarce in those early days (nothing has changed!). Two Mile Hill was a poor parish, most streets were unpaved, drainage was almost non-existent and dung was left anywhere for collection by farmers. Most people lived in small cottages, making pins, boots, or lace at home, for sale in the Old Market in Bristol. Some were farm labourers and some worked in the nearby coal mines.

A Church school was built (approximately where our Church Hall now stands) and educated the children of the district until Two Mile Hill Council School opened in 1896.

A history of St Michael‘s covering the first 150 years is available to purchase from the church.