Lots to see if you like history (Bristol in General)

Member Name: poet831

Product:	Bristol in General
Date:	19/04/09 (11 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Really gives an insight into Bristol's Maritime Heritage . Gives children a chance to learn by see

Disadvantages: Don't try to compete with the locals during the rush hour home

Other have written about the shopping and night life. Me - I like history, so a trip to Bristol is a treat. For starters there is the Clifton Suspension Bridge, which spans the Avon Gorge. This magnificent bridge was designed by one of the greatest Victorian engineers - Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
At the Great Western Dock, is another of his achievements - the "S.S. Great Britain". This was the first ship to be built of iron, and to have propellers. She was launched July 19th 1843, in the presence of Prince albert (Victoria's consort) and apparently, Bristol celebrated the day in festive mood. Bells were rung, shops closed and flags flew everywhere. Her maiden voyage, however, did not take place until lmost 2 years later. It took her 14 days and 21 hours to cross the Atlantic on her journeys, and her passengers travelled in luxury - although the size of the cabins will amaze you. In later years, she was converted to a cargo ship, and was finally retired in 1933 because she was uneconomical. 1937 saw her beached and abandoned in Stanley Harbour, The Falkland Islands, where she remained for over 50 years until efforts began to bring her back to England, and the restoration project which is still ongoing. She is a beautiful ship, and well worth a visit.

To the East of the "S.S. Great Britain" is another marvel of shipping history. The "Matthew" was John Cabot's square-rigged caravel, in which he sailed on his voyage of discovery to 'New Founde Lands'. This is a replica of that ship, and took crafsmen 2 years to build, under the auspicious eye of renowned naval architect, Colin Mudie. He undertook extensive research into ships of the period, and it is believed that the replica is authentic in all respects. It is a wooden sailing ship, and seems quite small, although it is in fact 70 feet long. It is hard to imagine that a ship of this size could travel the Atlantic ocean and survive. A tribute to the master shipbuilders of those days, over 500 years ago.
Near both of these ships, is the Industrial Museum, which is a brilliant collection of exhibits which tell the history of Bristol, from it's Maritime Heritage right up to recent years. Nauticul buffs will find much to enjoy in these 3 places.

Bristol is home also to the St. Mary Redcliffe Church, of which Queen Elizabeth I (the 'Virgin Queen') said was "the noblest church in the land". It's spire can be seen soaring above the end of the docks, to the East. On the Northern side, you can see the Cabot Tower, erected on Brandon Hill, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot's voyage. Sharing this vista is the Cathedral, on College Green.
I had a wonderful trip to Bristol, but a word of warning to visitors. DO NOT venture out on the roads during rush hour. The people who drive in Bristol are fiercely protective of their road space, and when we were there, blocked intersections at red lights so that our lane was unable to move. They take their getting home VERY seriously. Having said that, everybody we met was friendly, the curators at each place were knowledgeable and only too willing to talk about local history with us.

So, read the other reviews for shopping and night life, but take time out to delve into the past. You will not regret it.

Summary: Lots to see if you like history