Bristol

Bristol is a city and unitary authority in the United Kingdom. It has a population of 433,100.

Geography

The city lies close to the 'Mouth of the Severn', and also to the two main road crossings of it. These carry the M4 and M48 and both require a toll to be paid. It also lies on the banks of the river Avon.

History

The city existed as a small settlement in Roman times, and had grown to an important town by the 400's. In the 1100s the Normans built a castle and fortified the town. The town became a city by royal charter in 1373 when city status was granted by Edward III. In 1497 John Cabot set sail for America and discovered Newfoundland. It became the second most important port in the country, after London, until the middle of the 18th century, when it was overtaken by Liverpool; and its prosperity was greatly boosted by the slave trade. In World War Two many buildings were destroyed by bombs due to the city's industrial and commercial importance.

Government

Bristol is a unitary authority, one of the few in England with a directly elected Mayor.

Transport

The M4, M5, M32 and M48 motorways pass through or close to the city. The two main railway stations are called 'Bristol Temple Meads' and 'Bristol Parkway'. It also has an airport with direct flights to North America, Africa, Europe and connecting flights to Asia also.

References

• AA Glovebox Atlas - Britain
• Bristol Airport
• National Rail
• World Book Encyclopedia