Medieval Bristol: A Walk through the Middle Ages, Bristol, England

Bristol is a maritime city, known for its trading links with the New World and its importance in the Georgian and Victorian eras. But the city’s importance goes back to the Middle Ages, and much of medieval Bristol can still be discovered.

The city of Bristol was the third largest town of medieval England, important enough to be listed in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. It first grew up in Anglo-Saxon times when a bridge was built across the River Avon. The historic town occupied the area between the Avon and the River Frome, and was a busy port, trading with Ireland and the southwest of England. In time it became very wealthy, minting its own coins and holding a weekly market.

The development of the harbour led to the growth of Redcliffe on the south side of the river. At the same time various religious communities were established, including an Augustinian monastery that later became the Cathedral, the monastery of St Mary Redcliffe, and the lands owned by the Knights Templar. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).