Bristol Bridge
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Bristol Bridge is an old bridge over the River Avon, Bristol, UK, now part of the floating harbour.
The original bridge was a mediaeval wooden structure that had both its sides lined with houses. A seventeenth century illustration shows that these were five stories high, including the attic rooms, and that they overhung the river much as Tudor houses would overhang the street.[1] At the time of the Civil War the bridge was noted for its community of goldsmiths, who may have been attracted by the unusually secure premises.[1] Its population was also perceived to be strongly parliamentarian.[1]
In the 1760 a bill to replace the bridge was carried through parliament by the Bristol MP Sir Jarrit Smyth[2], and the current structure was opened in 1768. Resentment at the tolls exacted to cross the new bridge occasioned the Bristol Bridge Riot of 1793.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Lynch, John (1999) For King & Parliament, ISBN 0-7509-2021-1, p. 10
- ^ Bantock, Anton (2004) Ashton Court, ISBN 0-7524-3213-3, p. 29
[edit] External links
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