If you haven’t been to Bristol, you might be overlooking an English town with very deep roots, and one that has been at the forefront of Britain’s world leadership for centuries. Anyone who’s been through this gorgeous part of the Westcountry eventually finds themselves digging a little deeper into its history. There’s much to admire in this town on the River Avon and all of that history is on full display.
For instance, did you know that Bristol fisherman were the first Europeans to settle Newfoundland? Or you know that Bristol became a centre for shipbuilding to meet the demand from slave traders, many of whom were based there. Or did you know that Venetian navigator and world explorer John Cabot — real name Giovanni Caboto — sailed from Bristol in 1497 to become the second European known to have set foot in North America? More recently — though 1739 is not that recent — John Wesley opened his very first chapel in Bristol.
But everywhere you look in Bristol, you can’t help but help to see homages to the city’s favourite (adopted) son Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Brunel was born on 9 April 1806 in Portsmouth. His father Mark was an engineer who had fled France during the Terror. Brunel himself was educated both in England and in France. Although he lived much of his life in London, he certainly left his mark on Bristol, and indeed, the whole of the U.K. He produced engineering “firsts” that revolutionised shipping, civil engineering, and the railways. He was chief designer of the city’s floating harbour lock system that continues to save ships from the effects of the tide and two revolutionary ships he designed to carry his beloved Great Western Railway on beyond the mainland and on toward the New World — The SS Great Western and The SS Great Britain — were built and launched there, each was the largest ocean going vessel to date in the world! The Great Western was the first to provide regular transatlantic service under steam and the Great Britain was the first propeller-driven ship to cross the Atlantic. It has since been restored and is open to explore on your next trip to town!
However, Brunel’s greatest gift to Bristol is still there to see, to appreciate, to marvel over, and to cross if you wish. The Clifton Suspension bridge over Avon Gorge spans 700ft (210 meters), and like so much of Brunel’s creations it was a first — the longest bridge of its type in the world when completed. Brunel continued to produce prodigious innovations in engineering for the rest of his life, including design work for the famous Great Western Railway, before he died 15 September 1859. During this 150th anniversary of Brunel’s death, Bristol is remembering one of her most cherished residents. Many hotels in Bristol are currently offering great rates and wonderful accommodation that will put you slap bang in the middle of the city’s history and natural beauty. The season still boasts many lovely days, and when the weather does not cooperate, the town offers a wide variety of quality shops, theatres, museums, pubs, and out of the way discoveries to enjoy. Numerous hotels in Bristol are situated within walking distance of the Avon, the shopping district, and the town’s gorgeous gardens which display good color well into autumn. Bristol plus Brunel equals an intriguing, memorable excursion!
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Ian has written for many publications in his native south Wales and further afield. He currently lives in London’s trendy Docklands with his partner, but both are keen travellers. |