Take a peak into Bristol's Past. Bristol has not always been as we know it today, and its current appearance has been greatly shaped by its history. Bristol has experienced many ups and downs. It was for a long time the third largest city after York and London with wealth and riches hard to imagine. Much of this success was built upon a darker underlay, the slave trade. Bristol is the place where much construction occurred with elegant buildings and impressive architecture, some of which still stands today. Much has been ruined during the war, where the people of Bristol feared for their lives as they were constantly raided by German bombers, their city collapsing around them. Although many in Bristol were rich, many were also poor, and this page offers a glimpse into the evolution of Bristol and its people.

The City of Bristol was not always known by its current name. It is recognised that the city was born in Saxon times but exactly when and the location of the first settlement is unknown. Bristol does not have an entry in the Domesday book and such lack of documentation means there is some dispute over the details of its origin. The Anglo-Saxon settlement between the River Avon and River Frome was known as 'Brycg stowe' meaning 'the meeting place at the bridge' in old English.

Much of Bristol's success is owed to its location. It was perfectly situated in the south west of England for trade with Dublin, Somerset, North Devon and eventually further afield. Many major cities have also thrived because they are situated similarly, on the lowest bridgeable point of a major river, meaning their markets are frequented by many passing through and the opportunity for trade is peak. Bristol's main backbone was its port and in centuries to come Bristol played a key role in the transatlantic trade triangle.

During the middle ages the population of the town is estimated to have been around 4000. Medical care was provided not in the form of hospitals, but was the responsibility of the church. There were 5 in Bristol with several leper hospitals further outside of the town. 1188 was the year that Bristol was granted a charter. They now had formal documentation outlining the rights of the townspeople. 1171 was a time for emigration for many Bristolians. It was at this time that the English had conquered Ireland and the king gave Dublin as a colony to the people of Bristol. Many Bristolians moved away and settled there.

Meanwhile in Bristol's port, ships would come in and offer their goods on the market, and the people of Bristol would prepare their goods to sell. The market was a busy place and 5 cooks took advantage of this. They set up a row of shops which became known as 'cooks row' and sold hot food to the traders. They would roast meat on a spit or boil or fry fish on their small shop front stove allowing the smell to drift down the street and tempt hungry customers.

The trading of slaves was apparently a long established practise in Bristol, until Wulfstan, the last bishop of Worcester. English slaves were transported and sold for labour to Scandinavia and Iceland. But the Bishop was appalled by it. After witnessing scenes where man was traded like beast he decided to put a stop to it. William the Conqueror banned it completely in 1102, although much illegal activity still occurred.