. . . also known as
Bristol, Avon
or Bristol, Gloucestershire
or Bristol, Somerset

From an old Celtic word meaning ‘water’, the Avon is a flowing river surrounding the settlement of the city of Bristol. Dating back to before the 10th century, Bristol began its life as a village, where it acted as a meeting point for people living at either end of the nearby bridge. A hundred years later, the population started to expand and the village grew into a town. Not long after Bristol was given its charter in 1155, the government gave Dublin as a colony to the people of Bristol, as a result of the conquest of Ireland. Hence, many Bristolians settled there. Benefiting from its location in the west of England, it made itself a hub for trade with Ireland. Although the wool and leather industry had declined by the 16th century, Bristol’s main exports were tin, lead, cheese and butter.

Bristol was heavily involved in the slave trade in the 18th century. Woollen clothes and iron goods are shipped to Africa in exchange for slaves. A triangle form of trade was formed between Africa, Bristol, and the West Indies & North America, which supplied sugar, rum and tobacco back to Bristol. The population of Bristol continued to grow rapidly as merchants made their fortunes.

The city of Bristol was severely damaged from the Luftwaffe bombing during the Bristol blitz in World War II, when buildings and walls were demolished. The reconstruction of the city is characterised by cheap 1960s tower blocks, brutalist architecture and the expansions of roads

"The most beautiful, distinguished and interesting city in England" said John Betjeman, former Poet Laureate.  Bristol, the largest city in the South West, has played a unique and important role in England's history. Once England's second city, the prestige of Bristol is reflected in splendid architecture, a rich maritime heritage, a wealth of attractions and beautiful estates and parkland.

Within a relatively small area, the visitor can marvel at the Avon Gorge, visit the SS Great Britain, stroll around the Maritime Heritage Centre or just sit and watch the world go by, near to where John Cabot set sail for the New World in 1497 aboard The Matthew.

 Bristol also boasts an enormous range of shops.  From the historic St Nicholas market, the specialist shopping of Clifton, Bristol's West End and Christmas Steps to the bustle of Broadmead, Bristol can offer a vast choice.

The city hosts an outstanding programme of events throughout the year including the Harbour Regatta and the world famous International Balloon Fiesta.

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Visit the City and County of Bristol...

• Flickr - Bristol

Information about Bristol...

• Wikipedia - Bristol

• CuriousFox UK Gazeteer - Bristol
   

~ ~ WHERE WE USED TO LIVE ~ ~

The market town of  CHIPPENHAM

CORSHAM  in West Wiltshire

The city of  SALISBURY,  the county town of Wiltshire

The picturesque village of  SIXPENNY HANDLEY  in North Dorset,
on the South Wiltshire and Hampshire borders

The Dorset town of  WEYMOUTH

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