Historic Bristol Photo Gallery

Bristol's historic centre still retains many old buildings that remind us it was once a major port for the transatlantic trade. However, the cargo wasn't always so glamorous. With Britain gaining more control of the Caribbean islands, there was a need to send workers over to the sugar and tobacco plantations owned by the city's bourgeoisie. In the late 17th century, Bristol ships started to engage in slave trading, and by the late 1730s, Bristol was Britain's top slaving port. St. Peter's Church was badly damaged during World War II, where air raids killed 1299 people, with the most severe raid taking place on November 24, 1940. Residents told the church's lead roof melted from the incendiary bombs and flowed down the street. The best way to explore the area is to walk. It is not a big neighbourhood and easy to get around on foot. The Corn Exchange is now part of St. Nicholas Markets. Construction took place between 1741-43 and is the last building of its kind from that era. St. Stephen's Church dates from the 13th century and rebuilt in 1470. The church was popular among the city's merchants, some of whom decided to be buried here. The tower was once visible to ships coming into the harbour but is now hidden from view by the modern city.