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Things you probably didn't know about Bristol

A port of engineers, explorers and balloonists.

  1. 1843 — fact 1 of 5

    Brunel’s SS Great Britain launched here

    In 1843, Bristol launched the world’s first iron-hulled, screw-driven ocean liner — now back in the dock she left.

  2. 1864 — fact 2 of 5

    The Clifton Suspension Bridge

    Brunel’s bridge over the Avon Gorge was finished in 1864, five years after his death, and still carries traffic.

  3. 1766 — fact 3 of 5

    The Bristol Old Vic is Britain’s oldest working theatre

    The theatre on King Street has been putting on shows since 1766.

  4. Fact 4 of 5

    Europe’s biggest balloon fiesta

    Every August, hundreds of hot-air balloons lift off from Ashton Court for the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

  5. 1938 — fact 5 of 5

    Ribena was invented nearby

    The blackcurrant drink was developed at the Long Ashton research station in the 1930s, to make use of a vitamin C source.

    See what 1938 was like →

Our Bristol collection is part of a growing local-history library — more cities and facts are being added.

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