My Bristol

The Romans that passed through the area and the Saxon founders of the Place of the Bridge would not recognise the City and County, Bristol has grown into. The prosperity that came with its industry, trade and maritime exploits, made Bristol into one of the wealthiest cities in the UK. The varying terrain and geology gave rise to flora and architecture unique to the city. It has given features such as the Avon Gorge, which splits the City between Gloucestershire to the north and Somersetshire to the south, the nearby Cotswold and Mendip escarpments, and the gentle rolling scenery. The motto of the city is "Virtute et industria." meaning valour and industry, and this can be seen today by being a large cosmopolitan, diverse city; bustling with industry, arts, culture, music, adventure, sports and festivals. Many firsts have occurred here, from the first commercially successful brassmills, the first iron ship and the first supersonic aeroplane, through to the first president of a human rights organisation, the first paperback book press, the first British chocolatier and many, many more . Packed with photographs and diagrams, this book will be a revelation to locals and visitors alike, an ideal reminder of this interesting and beautiful City.