Bristol is an important port, with a rich cultural heritage that makes any local resident proud to call the city home. Dating back to 1051, it is one of Britain’s oldest established settlements, boasting many significant, historical achievements and famous inhabitants.
However, if you are already looking for a Bristol letting, you are probably already familiar with that information, so here are a few fabulous facts about the City that you may not be aware of:
Bristol has strong links with piracy. In fact, famous pirate Blackbeard was said to have been born in the city before inflicting terror on the Caribbean Sea. Unbelievable laws at the time decreed that piracy was legal and those with a special government letter were allowed to attack and raid merchant ships in other countries!
For those with a conscience, you’ll be pleased to learn that Bristol is a strong contender for the title of ‘Greenest City in Europe.’ One of the first ‘Cycling Cities,’ Bristol is heavily involved in reducing emissions and has created over 450 parks and green spaces. Not only that, it has been awarded the accolade of ‘Fairtrade City’ in recognition of its fair partnership with over five million traders in 58 countries.
In addition to Blackbeard, Bristol has at some time been home to JK Rowling, Keith Floyd, Derren Brown, Carol Vorderman and Cary Grant, to mention but a few. Who else? Matt Lucas, David Walliams, Massive Attack, John Cleese and Bananarama. Oh and Dave Prowse, better known as Darth Vader.
Bristol has given the world some great innovations, too. The process of laying roads with three grades of stone, finishing with tar was created by John Loudon MacAdam, the then General Surveyor of Bristol Roads. We know it today as tarmac.
Concorde was designed and built in Filton, in the north of the city. Originally made as a vitamin C supplement, Ribena was invented and manufactured in Bristol for years, as was Fry’s Chocolate and Schweppes sodas.
The city has influenced many literary figures. In ‘Northanger Abbey’, Jane Austen mentions the Blaise Castle Estate possibly following her trip to Clifton. Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins and Oscar Wilde were all said to have performed at the Victoria Rooms. Lastly, following an encounter with a young boy in Bristol, it is said that JK Rowling found inspiration for a character in a little book she was writing.
There is mush more to Bristol than first meets the eye and certainly more than has been written above. Why not dig a little deeper when you’re searching for your rental property? You’ll find that Bristol is a great place to live.