Historic Bristol Photo Gallery Part 2

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. As I walked towards the river, there were pockets of interesting buildings here and there : Born in Bristol in 1974, Banksy has created a number of street art works that have put the city into spotlight. I caught sight of a few interesting street art pieces as I wandered the streets although I wasn't sure whether these are Banksy works. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time during my short visit for a dedicated walking tour. As I approached the river, I noticed a lot of restaurants along King Street. This area was marsh in the 17th century. Opened in 1766, the Old Vic is the country's oldest working theatre. It was established by wealthy locals who made their fortunes from the African slave trade. The timber-framed Llandoger Trow stands out architecturally. It was once favoured by seafarers, where they got their dose of ale and cider since 1664. A short walk south is the beautifully-laid Queen Square. Before this marshland was transformed in the 17th century, this area was used as a garbage dump and to practice weapons. The first houses came in 1699 and the square was laid in 1700 and named after Queen Anne. Gas lights arrived in 1819. During the Bristol Riots in 1831, the buildings around the square were burned and looted.