Lost Bristol

Bristol has a rich historical heritage dating back to the city's beginnings in Anglo-Saxon times. For centuries, it was England's second city and, as a thriving port, its past is steeped in its involvement in trade, whether of cloth, wine, pottery, glass—or slaves. As there is no commercial shipping now, much of Bristol's past is hidden within the modern city, just out of sight, but waiting to be discovered. Lost Bristol is an exploration of Bristol's hidden past, its ways of life, legends, relationship with the sea and its role in English history. The book includes some of the more famous aspects of the city's past, as well as stories and information unknown even to most locals. In an informed and entertaining style, Victoria Coules uncovers events and episodes such as the 1793 bridge toll riots, the jurisdiction of the Knights Templar over certain areas in Bristol and the creation of the Floating Harbour. Lost Bristol also reveals how a 13th century quay became a traffic roundabout, what happened to Bristol's own hot water spa and why Bristol cod merchants were also intrepid explorers. Many more surprising and remarkable stories about Bristol's past, accompanied by maps, engravings and photographs, make this book essential reading for all those curious about the city's hidden history.