- Bristol's settlement built up around its harbour on the River
Avon and its importance as a port increased after the Norman Conquest. A castle was built on the narrow neck of land east of the town, between the rivers Avon and
Frome.
The trade of Bristowe (as it became known in the Middle Ages) increased rapidly during the 12th and
l3th century, and as a result its area doubled and its wharfage increased. During the 14th century it became a major
wool port, sending cargoes to Ireland and the Baltic.
The port business included, shipping wool and leather and importing wines, tobacco and cocoa beans — commodities that led to the setting up of some
of Bristol’s major manufacturing industries.
Less happily, during the 17th century, the town also prospered on the slave trade; the abolition of this
in the 19th century was a serious setback to the port.
An opportunity for Bristol to develop as a transatlantic port came
after the launching of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s steamships Great Western
and the Great Britain, Both ships were built at Bristol, but later were forced to
sail from Liverpool because of the high dock charges by the Bristol Docks Committee.
Bristol
is a city of contrasts: side by side with modem shopping, office and entertainment complexes and
multi-storey car parks stand old docks, almshouses and inns steeped in history.
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