Castles in Bristol, England.

Castles in Bristol, England.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Bristol’s history is both long and varied. Roman harbour remains can be seen at Sea Mills and traces of Bristol’s once mighty castle can be found in Castle Park. Two splendid examples of medieval architecture remain. Bristol Cathedral dates from 1140, and St Mary Redcliffe was described by Queen Elizabeth I as “the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England”. John Cabot sailed from Bristol in 1497 on his voyage of discovery to Newfoundland. The Cabot Tower, on Brandon Hill, was raised in celebration of his voyage

The city’s character really formed in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Hotwells and Clifton were promoted as Spa’s and the city became a centre for arts and literature. Row upon row of Georgian terraces were built, and Royal York Crescent is reputedly the longest terrace of its type in Europe. Other buildings of note are the Theatre Royal, built in 1766, the Georgian House, now a museum, and the Corn Exchange. Outside the Exchange are four bronze “nails” that were used for business transactions hence the saying “to pay on the nail”.

The city has always tolerated non-conformist religions. John Wesley’s New Room is the worlds first methodist chapel and still a place of worship today.

Another famous inhabitant was Isambard Kingdom Brunel, great genius of the Industrial Age and designer of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the S.S. Great Britain, (which can be visited in her original dry dock), and the old Temple Meads station.

Bristol hosts the world famous annual International Balloon Fiesta every August, the International Kite Festival every September and many other distinctive events such as the Harbour Regatta in June and Nightglow in July.