The bridge that gave Bristol its name
Archaeological finds show that people have lived in and around Bristol for thousands of years, but exactly when the first bridge crossed the River Avon remains uncertain.
The river has an exceptionally wide tidal range and, before a permanent crossing existed, could only have been forded at certain times of the day. The importance of the crossing is reflected in Bristol’s Anglo-Saxon name, Brycgstow — meaning “bridge-place”.
Earlier bridges may have stood slightly upriver, closer to St Peter’s Church, whose ruins can still be seen from the present Bristol Bridge.
A street above the river
The original Bristol Bridge was constructed of wood before being replaced in 1247 by a four-arched stone bridge.
This was far more than simply a way across the Avon. Houses and shops were built directly upon the bridge, rising as high as five storeys and overhanging the river in much the same way that Tudor buildings overhung the streets below.
For centuries this extraordinary structure formed part of the busy commercial heart of Bristol. Eventually, however, the medieval bridge became inadequate for the increasing flow of people and traffic through the city.
In 1768, Bristol MP Sir Jarrit Smyth successfully introduced a bill to Parliament allowing it to be replaced by the bridge whose structure survives today.
A bridge worth rioting over
As Bristol expanded onto the southern bank of the Avon, the bridge became increasingly important to everyday life in the city.
In September 1793, the introduction of a bridge toll caused such anger that it contributed to one of the bloodiest riots in Bristol’s history.
The Georgian bridge survived, although its roadway was later widened during Queen Victoria’s reign to accommodate the growing movement of people and goods through the city.
What you’ll discover
From Bristol Bridge, this walk leads into the historic heart of the Old City, following streets that have played a part in Bristol’s story for centuries.
- Bristol Bridge — the crossing that helped give Bristol its name.
- High Street — one of the principal routes into the medieval city.
- Wine Street — once at the centre of Bristol’s commercial life.
- Broad Street — a street rich in surviving evidence of the old city.
- Corn Street — merchants, markets and grand commercial architecture.
- St Nicholas Street — returning towards Bristol’s historic bridge quarter.
The complete City Walks Bristol guide reveals the buildings, people and events behind the places you encounter along the route.
