Bristol from past to present
Bristol is a modern, thriving city rooted in its past. The uncrowned capital of the West Country peninsula. Its history can be traced back to Saxon times and a settlement at the meeting place of the rivers Avon and Frome. It was then known as Brigstow. Through the passage of time and the local dialect habit of adding an "L" to the end of a word this changed to Bristol.
After the Norman conquest the port of Bristol
gained in status. Trade flourished in the 14th century as brave
sailors set out on epic voyages of exploration. It was with a
Bristol crew that explorer John Cabot left the port in 1497 to
discover Newfoundland.
And Bristol was the birthplace of the world's first iron-hulled
steam-driven sailing ship, the SS Great Britain. Designed and
built by Victorian engineering genius Isambard Kingdom Brunel
the restored ship is a major tourist attraction in the historic
City Docks. Brunel also designed the city's best known landmark,
the Clifton suspension Bridge. It spans the 250ft deep beauty
spot Avon Gorge. A key feature of Bristol's maritime heritage
was its growth as a major importer of wine, sherry and port.
Much of its wealth in the 18th century also depended its
participation in the infamous slave trade.
Major planning schemes after the Second World War changed much of the character of the blitzed city. Futuristic housing and entertainment developments now, however, sit comfortably alongside relics of the maritime past.
And
the spirit of adventure which spurred early adventurers on epic
journeys lives on today in the bustle of commerce and industry
which marks the western city as a premier shopping venue and an
international financial centre. Major national organisations,
including banks and insurance companies have relocated to the
cathedral city.
Bristol is also recognised as a flourishing
arts centre catering for every taste from theatre, film, opera
and ballet to jazz, classical and folk music. And there is a
large variety of entertainment complexes, pubs, clubs and wine
bars.
Situated at the so-called "crossroads of England" the city is
blessed with an excellent network of motorway, rail and air
connections. London's Heathrow airport is about 90 minutes away
by road and the capital itself is easily accessible by frequent
road, rail and air rail services.
The surrounding countryside affords a wealth of opportunity for
relaxation and entertainment. The elegant Georgian city of Bath
is a near neighbour and other leading tourist spots include
England's smallest city, Wells, the world-famous Cheddar Gorge
and its mysterious limestone caves, the city of Gloucester, and
the mystical town of Glastonbury. Wales too is only a short
journey away, with road travellers having the choice of two
major bridges over the Severn Estuary.
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, had strong
links with Bristol. He regularly preached to miners in fields in
the Kingswood and Hanham areas. He was frequently barred from
pulpits because he was too outspoken. His first church, the New
Room, is still open in the heart of Bristol's Broadmead shopping
area close to the city centre.
In the courtyard of the preserved building is a statue of Wesley
on horseback as he frequently rode out to preach at open air
meetings. It is yet another reminder of the city's links with
its historic past.