Self Catering in Bristol

Bristol was originally an Anglo-Saxon town, and by the early 11th century it was the centre of the wool trade with Ireland, and the cloth trade with much of Europe and the Near East. The cloth trade faded during the 18th century and much of the wealth of the city became dependent on the triangular trade in slaves. The end of the slave trade in 1807 dealt a devastating blow to Bristol's economy.

Trade revived with the arrival of the railway in 1841, and the expansion of the port facilities in the late 19th century revived the city as one of England's leading seaports. The manufacture of chocolate, cigarettes and confectionery continued to support the city until the Second World War when much of it was destroyed by bombing raids.

The city centre was rebuilt in the 1950's and '60's, and there is now a 3.5 km (2 mile) heritage trail that takes in highlights of the centre, including the Floating Harbour, St. Mary Redcliffe (a 14th century church) and the Covered Market, to name but a few. In addition to its historical past, Bristol City is also surrounded by some beautiful countryside in the counties of Gloucestershire and Somerset.