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History of Bristol, England
Journey back in time to Bristol, England
Visit Bristol, England. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.Do You Have Bristol Roots? Share MY Ancestral Story!

Bristol, city and unitary authority, southwestern England. The historic centre of Bristol and the sections of the city north of the River Avon (Lower, or Bristol, Avon) were part of the historic county of Gloucestershire, while the areas south of the Avon lay within the historic county of Somerset until the creation of the county of Bristol (1373–1974) and then of the county of Avon (1974–96). When the county of Avon was abolished, Bristol became a unitary authority...
britannica.com
There is MUCH more to discover about Bristol, England. Read on!
Discover Bristol: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1497 - The Italian navigator John Cabot sailed from Bristol, in May, aboard the 'Matthew'. He crossed the Atlantic and mapped the North American coastline from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland before returning to Bristol in August.
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1532 - A free grammar school was founded and endowed by Robert Thorne in Bristol.
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1588 - Four ships set sail from Bristol to join the English fleet to oppose the Spanish Armada.
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1656 - Bristol castle was destroyed on Cromwell's orders to prevent it falling into Royalist hands.
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1750 - The first bank in Bristol opened.
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1753 - There was rioting in Bristol against the high price of bread.
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1841 - Bristol was connected to London by rail and was connected to Exeter in 1844 followed by Plymouth in 1848.
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http://www.visitoruk.com
1847 - A water works was established to pipe spring water from Chewton Mendip to 16,000 houses in Bristol, via reservoirs at Harptree and Barrow Gurney.
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http://www.visitoruk.com
1895 - Bristol
Bristol, a city of England, a county of itself, but lying within the limits of Gloucestershire and Somersetshire, on the Avon, at its confluence with the Frome, 8 miles from Bristol Channel, and I 18 miles by rail W. of London. Several railways meet here. Bristol is one of the leading British ports in the foreign trade. It is noted for its fine public buildings, among which are the cathedral, the guild hall, the museum and library, the exchange, two colleges, the famous Muller's Orphan House, numerous fine churches, the public hospital, and other charities. Large ships can ascend the river to the city, where spacious docks, quays, and ship-yards have been constructed; and at King road, or Avonmouth, there are additional facilities for unloading and freighting ships. It is the seat of numerous schools, and of large and varied manufactures, prominent among which are those of metallic wares, soap, shoes, leather, hats, glass, bricks, spirits, stays, cottons, and chocolate. It is the... Read MORE...
Bristol, a city of England, a county of itself, but lying within the limits of Gloucestershire and Somersetshire, on the Avon, at its confluence with the Frome, 8 miles from Bristol Channel, and I 18 miles by rail W. of London. Several railways meet here. Bristol is one of the leading British ports in the foreign trade. It is noted for its fine public buildings, among which are the cathedral, the guild hall, the museum and library, the exchange, two colleges, the famous Muller's Orphan House, numerous fine churches, the public hospital, and other charities. Large ships can ascend the river to the city, where spacious docks, quays, and ship-yards have been constructed; and at King road, or Avonmouth, there are additional facilities for unloading and freighting ships. It is the seat of numerous schools, and of large and varied manufactures, prominent among which are those of metallic wares, soap, shoes, leather, hats, glass, bricks, spirits, stays, cottons, and chocolate. It is the... Read MORE...
Here are some must-visit places and activities in Bristol:
Clifton Suspension Bridge: Start your Bristol adventure by visiting this iconic landmark designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. You can walk across the bridge for panoramic views of the Avon Gorge and the city. It's particularly stunning during sunset.
Bristol Harbour: The city's historic harbor is a hub of activity. You can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, visit the SS Great Britain, a famous steamship, or take a boat tour to learn about Bristol's maritime history.
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery: This museum is a treasure trove of art and historical artifacts. It has a fantastic collection of art, including works by famous artists like J.M.W. Turner. The Egyptology section is also a highlight.
Bristol Zoo Gardens: Located in the Clifton neighborhood, this zoo is a fun place for families and animal lovers. It's home to a wide variety of animals, and they often have special events and exhibitions.
St. Nicholas Market: This historic market in the heart of Bristol... Read MORE...
Clifton Suspension Bridge: Start your Bristol adventure by visiting this iconic landmark designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. You can walk across the bridge for panoramic views of the Avon Gorge and the city. It's particularly stunning during sunset.
Bristol Harbour: The city's historic harbor is a hub of activity. You can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, visit the SS Great Britain, a famous steamship, or take a boat tour to learn about Bristol's maritime history.
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery: This museum is a treasure trove of art and historical artifacts. It has a fantastic collection of art, including works by famous artists like J.M.W. Turner. The Egyptology section is also a highlight.
Bristol Zoo Gardens: Located in the Clifton neighborhood, this zoo is a fun place for families and animal lovers. It's home to a wide variety of animals, and they often have special events and exhibitions.
St. Nicholas Market: This historic market in the heart of Bristol... Read MORE...
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Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Bristol, England
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