History of bristol docks

Question 1

How and when did Bristol begin to develop as a port ?

Answer 1

Bristol began as a settlement called brigstow in the 11th century , located at a key crossing point over the river avon. It grew into an international port through trade with Ireland and Wales in the 11th - 12th centuries

Question 2

What major engineering project in 1247 helped expand the trade in bristol?

Answer 2

The river frome was diverted and dug out to create st augustines reach , allowing more space for ships.It cost £500,000 and enabled trade , especially with France for wine.

Question 3

What trade developments occurred in the 14th and 15th centuries ?

Answer 3

Bristol merchants began trading cloth for wine with France , Spain and Portugal.By the late 15th century , they explored the Atlantic.In 1497,John Cabot set sail from Bristol and landed in NA.

Question 4

How did the transatlantic slave trade contribute to Bristol’s growth ?
Early Modern Period.

Answer 4

After the 1690s , Bristol entered the slave trade (as the London monopoly of trading slaves ended) , profiting immensely , triangular trade involved metal goods to Africa , enslaved people to Americas then tobacco and sugar to Bristol. Profits led to urban expansion and wealthy developments-Queen square.

Question 5

What was Bristol’s role in smuggling ?

Answer 5

In 16th century , with the decline of the cloth trade , many merchants turned to large scale smuggling , particularly of goods from Spain and Portugal.