Bristol is located in south-west England, on the Avon River which flows into the Bristol Channel, 170 kilometres almost due west of London. The city has been growing around its harbour on the River Avon since Anglo-Saxon times, and by the 10th century it had become a flourishing commercial port. It was made a county in its own right in 1373 because of its importance to the nation. Bristol became famous during the 19th century by the ground breaking engineering feats of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Brunel built the largest ship ever, which was also the first ocean going propeller driven, iron ship, he also built the first tunnel under the River Thames, the Great Western Railway and several important bridges!! His works can be seen around the city.
By the time John Cabot sailed from Bristol in 1497 to discover Newfoundland and North America, it was known throughout the world. Add to this, that it helped lay the foundations for the Empire of Queen Victoria with the founding of the Society of Merchant Venturers in 1552, and you have a city steeped in history. Much of Bristol’s old city centre and commercial area survives alongside some good modern architecture built to replace bomb damage during the Second World War. The Cathedral started as an Augustinian monastery and was built between the 12th and the 15th centuries. There is some fine carving inside, in wood and in stone, especially in the choir where there is a fine organ case carved by Grinling Gibbons. Foster Almhouses, founded by the 15th century mayor, John Foster, were rebuilt in the 19th century and are grouped around a galleried courtyard with, on one side of the courtyard, the Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne, original to the 15th century. The Theatre Royal, which was opened in 1766 and is home to the Bristol Old Vic Company, is the oldest existing theatre in England. The oldest Methodist Chapel in the world is, also, in Bristol. Built in 1739, it can be found in Broadmead. Fine views of the surrounding countryside can be had from the Cabot Tower on Brandon Hill and, also, from the rooftops of the Broadmead shopping centre. St Mary Redcliffe, one of England’s greatest parish churches, is approached from the 18th century Queen Square by a swing bridge and was said by Queen Elizabeth I, in the 16th century, to be ‘the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England’! King Street has some fine buildings including a spectacular 17th century timbered pub called the Llandoger Trow.
Other sites, in the city, worthy of mention:
The floating Harbour, although no large ships tie up here anymore, is still used for many water based events and carnivals.
The Industrial Museum, more interesting than it sounds, has much information on and, acknowledges the debt Bristol and England owes to, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the engineer behind the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the S S Great Britain and much more.
The S S Great Britain, the first ocean-going propeller-driven ship, launched in 1843, grounded on the Falkland Islands in 1866 and towed back to England in 1970, now restored and the centre piece of the Maritime Heritage Centre.
St John’s Gate, the last of the nine gates which gave access to the medieval walled city, with above, a church of the same name.
Christmas Steps, built in 1669 at the behest of a well-to-do wine merchant Jonathon Blackwell. He also, had the forethought to provide seats for the ascent of the narrow, steep valley!
Harvey’s Wine Museum, found in the 13th century cellars of Gaunt’s Hospital beneath the Harvey’s warehouse on Hobb’s Lane.
Other place of interest within 30 kilometres:
Bath, the best preserved Georgian city in Britain.
Tyntesfield, a spectacular Victorian country mansion and estate, saved for the country by the National Trust as recently as 2002.
Clifton, an elegant suburb of Bristol, to be approached through the Avon Gorge with Brunel’s delicate engineering miracle, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, poised 75 metres above.
Highgrove, the country residence of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. The gardens of the house are open to the public but conditions of entry are very tight. Bookings must be made and groups only are allowed entry. At present, it is taking 3-4 years to book a place, although to meet demand more are being made available.
Westonbirt Arboretum, one of the finest in the country, and especially beautiful in the autumn when the leaves are changing colour. Banks of rhododendrons are a mass of colour from May to October.
Berkeley Castle, built in the 12th century, and the scene of the murder of King Edward II.
Did you know that – the phrase ‘paying on the nail’ originated at the 18th century Corn Exchange in Bristol, outside which are four bronze pillars, known as ‘nails’ on which merchants used to make cash transactions?
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