There is not much known about Bristol's earliest origins, but what is known is that during the Saxon era a town called "Bricgstow" was founded here. Then, under Norman rule, the town was re-named "St Mary-le-Port".
By the Middle Ages a castle had been built and a small town had grown up around it. During this period Bristol became known as something of a religious centre, with several religious establishments (including what is now Bristol Cathedral) in the area.
But it is Bristol's association with the sea that the city is most famous for. Although Bristol is 7 miles from the sea, the River Avon runs through the heart of the city enabling it to be a sea port.
Most notably in 1497 John Cabot sailed from Bristol to discover Newfoundland and the new world - and Bristolians often claim that the new continent was named after local man Richard Ameryke.
Bristol's links with the sea became even stronger in the 18th and 19th centuries when it became one of England's busiest ports.
The city was central to the trade triangle between Africa, the UK and the New World, and goods such as sugar and tobacco filled the warehouses.
An often overlooked part of Bristol's past during this period is the fact that the city also played a central role in the 18th century slave trade - much of Bristol's wealth during this period was the result of slavery.
In the 19th century the docks then became central to Bristol's industrialisation. Two great monuments to this period remain today - the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Britain, both built by the famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Today Bristol's docks no longer carry the industry of the past, and so you are much more likely to see pleasure boats than ships on the river.
But the harbour and quays are still a focal point of the city, and are well worth a visit - for now the river is lined with arts centres, museums, pubs, and restaurants and shops, offering a pleasant retreat from the busy city centre.
Despite no longer being such an important industrial centre, Bristol is still a thriving city with an exciting night life and enviable cultural scene. With plenty to see and do for all ages, it is well worth a visit.
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