Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Pryce, George
PRYCE, GEORGE (1801–1868), historian of Bristol, born in 1801, was for the most part self-educated. He was at first engaged in a school, but subsequently became an accountant at Bristol. He devoted his leisure to the study of archæology, and was regarded as an authority on the early history of Bristol. In April 1856 he obtained the city librarianship there. It was chiefly through his exertions that the valuable collection of local literature in the library was brought together. He died on 15 March 1868. His portrait hangs in the reference room of the Free Library at Bristol.
Pryce was elected fellow of the Society of Antiquaries on 30 April 1857. To 'Archæologia' (xxxv. 279) he contributed a paper 'On the Church of St. Mary Redclifle, Bristol.' His chief work, entitled 'Popular History of Bristol,' 8vo, Bristol, 1861, is marred by many absurd theories. Besides articles in local papers, he also wrote: 1. 'Notes on the Ecclesiastical and Monumental Architecture and Sculpture of the Middle Ages in Bristol,' 8vo, London, 1850. 2. 'Memorials of the Canynges' Family and their Times, with inedited Memoranda relating to Chatterton,' large 8vo, Bristol, 1854. 3. 'Westbury College, Redcliffe Church, and Chatterton,' undated, but published between 1854 and 1858. 4. 'Fact versus Fiction: a Descent among Writers on Bristol History and Biography,' 12mo, Bristol, 1858.
[Information from E. R. Norris Mathews, esq., city librarian, Bristol; Daily Bristol Times, 18 March 1868; Bristol Daily Post, 17 March 1868; Bristol Mercury, 21 March 1868.]