Bristol has long been acknowledged as one of the foremost historic cities in Europe. It's long and diverse history dates back to Anglo-Saxon times, when a settlement, known as Brigstowe (a place of settlement by the bridge), grew up between the Rivers Avon and Frome.
It was the diversion of the River Frome in the 13th century, giving extra quayside space, which increased Bristol's capacity as a port. There was considerable direct trade with Europe as well as the english and welsh coastal towns. This helped launch Bristol as England's second city and one of the most economically and culturally important cities in Europe as well as a major port and manufacturing centre.
John Cabot's 1497 voyage in the matthew and his landfall on mainland America was apparently predated by Bristol fishing boats sailing to Newfoundland's Grand Banks. In 1542 prosperous Bristol was granted city status by Henry VIII and the church of the dissolved St Augustine's Abbey became Bristols cathedral.
During the 17th and 18th centuries Bristol's maritime industry boomed, and the city continued to grow apace during the industrial revolution thanks to its developments in railways, engineering, manufacturing, commerce and communications.
The legacy of the long colourful history of such a diverse city includes not only some of Brunel,s finest engineering work, but a splendid heritage of historic buildings, green spaces, and a beautifully transformed Harbourside which, together with many expertly restored city spaces, has become one of the region's great attractions.
