Some of the most significant and important events in Bristol’s city are highlighted here.
Before Bristol
The earliest evidence of human activity in the Bristol area takes the form of stone tools made thousands of years before the city existed. They were used by nomadic hunter-gatherers and discovered in the river gravels at Chapel Pill.
Hillforts along the gorge
Several Iron Age hillforts were constructed along the Avon Gorge and at Blaise Castle. These are enclosures, surrounded by earthen banks and ditches that probably had a variety of purposes including defence.
Roman town of Abona
The town of Abona at Sea Mills was the largest Roman settlement in the Bristol area. It probably grew up around a military settlement established there soon after the Roman conquest nearly 2,000 years ago.
Brycgstow
As far as we know, Bristol, or ‘Brycgstow’, which means ‘the place by the bridge’, began life as a Saxon settlement that grew up around the lowest secure bridging point of the Avon.
Bristol Castle
Norman invaders built a simple timber and earthwork construction to reinforce their authority and ensure physical security. Later Robert, Earl of Gloucester, had the castle rebuilt with a massive stone keep and walls.
Diversion of the Frome
The digging of a deep trench to divert the River Frome created a new harbour suitable for large cargo ships in the centre of Bristol. This was one of the most ambitious feats of medieval engineering and led to Bristol’s future prosperity as a major city.
Great Charter of Liberties
After the town burgesses had petitioned King Edward III, he granted important rights and privileges to Bristol by royal charter in 1373. It gave Bristol and its suburbs independent jurisdiction and made it a county in its own right.
Cabot sails to Newfoundland
John Cabot’s voyage in search of a trade route to Asia led him instead to North America. It opened up a whole new world for colonisation, trade and the exploitation of natural resources such as timber and copper.
Society of Merchant Venturers
Only trained Bristol merchants, who had served an apprenticeship, could join The Society of Merchant Venturers and freely trade abroad. It was important politically, economically and socially in the city.
Civil War
The English Civil War had a tremendous physical impact on Bristol. It was taken first by the Parliamentarians in 1642, surrendered to Royalists in 1643 and then recaptured in 1645. The castle was destroyed on Cromwell’s order in nearly 10 years later.