Page 128 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - England's South Coast

126  ENGLAND ’ S SOUTH C O AST REGION B Y REGION

j Bristol

In 1497, John Cabot sailed from Bristol on his historic voyage
to North America. The city, at the mouth of the Avon, became
the main British port for transatlantic trade, pioneering the
era of the ocean-going steam liner with the construction of
Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Bristol flourished
as a major trading centre, growing rich on the distribution of
wine, tobacco and, from the 17th to the 19th century, slaves.
Because of its docks and aero engine fac tories, Bristol was
heavily bombed during World War II. In 2008, a multimillion-
pound redevelopment programme was completed with
the opening of Cabot Circus, a vast shopping centre. The old
dock area has been brought back to life with bars, cafés,
restaurants and art galleries lining the waterside.
Energy Tree, erected as part of Bristol’s year
as European Green Capital, in At-Bristol
the inspiration for Defoe’s novel
Robinson Crusoe (1719). Just up Harbourside
from here is the Theatre Royal, Arnolfini: 16 Narrow Quay. Tel 0117
built in 1766 and home to the 917 2300. Open 11am–6pm Tue–
famous Bristol Old Vic. Sun. ∑ arnolfini.org.uk
At-Bristol: Anchor Rd. Tel 0117
P Old Quarter 915 1000. Open 10am–5pm Mon–
The oldest part of the city lies Fri, 10am–6pm Sat, Sun, public
around Broad, King and Corn hols & Bristol school hols. &
7 - = ∑ at-bristol.org.uk
streets, known as the Old
Quarter. The lively St Nicholas The renowned Arnolfini
covered market, part of which arts centre, on Narrow Quay,
occupies the Corn Exchange, showcases contemporary
was built by John Wood the art, drama, dance and cinema.
The vaulted nave of St Mary Redcliffe, one Elder (see p128) in 1743. Outside On the Harbourside, At-Bristol
of the largest parish churches in England are the Bristol Nails, four bronze combines an interactive science
16th- to 17th-century pedestals centre with a planetarium.
R St Mary Redcliffe which Bristol merchants used as
Redcliffe Way. Tel 0117 231 0060. tables when paying for goods – E M-Shed
Open 9am–5pm daily. 5 7 - giving rise to the expression “to Princes Wharf, Harbourside. Tel 0117
∑ stmaryredcliffe.co.uk pay on the nail”. St John’s Gate, 352 6600. Open 10am–5pm Tue–Fri;
This magnificent 14th-century at the head of Broad Street, has 10am–6pm Sat, Sun & public hols.
church was claimed by Queen medieval statues of Bristol’s two & for temporary exhibitions only. 7
Elizabeth I to be “the fairest in mythical foun ders, King Brennus - = ∑ bristolmuseums.org.uk
England”. The church owes and King Benilus. Between Housed in a 1950s harbour side
much to the generosity of Lewins Mead and Colston transit shed, this museum
William Canynges the Elder and Street, Christmas Steps is a focuses on the city’s history.
Younger, both famous mayors steep lane lined with specialist The story is told through film,
of Bristol. Inscriptions on the shops and cafés. The Chapel photographs, objects and
tombs of merchants and sailors of the Three Kings at the top personal accounts. Temporary
tell of lives devoted to trade. was founded in 1504. exhibitions take place regularly.
Look out for the Bristol maze
roof boss in the north aisle.
P King Street
Theatre Royal: Tel 0117 987 7877.
Open Box office: 10am–4pm Mon–Fri.
∑ bristololdvic.org.uk
The group of buildings on
cobbled King Street include
the 17th-century timber-framed
Llandoger Trow inn. It is here
that Daniel Defoe is said to have
met Alexander Selkirk, whose
true-life island exile served as St Nicholas Market, home to the largest collection of independent retailers in Bristol
For hotels and restaurants in this region see p177 and pp188–9

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