Bristol Docklands

In the 14th century Bristol was a major wool-exporting port. The port flourished for the next 400 years and as well as exporting wool and leather, imported wine, tobacco and cocoa beans. These imported goods became the basis for Bristol's manufacturing industries. By the 17th century, the port was heavily involved in the slave trade and this resulted in Bristol becoming the second most important port in England after London.

The abolition of the slave trade in the 19th century created problems for the port. Bristol's harbour was fairly shallow and with a lack of industrial towns in the area, the town found it difficult to compete with other ports such as Liverpool.

In the early 19th century the docks in Bristol were rebuilt by William Jessop. Further improvements were made by Isambard Brunel in 1830. The port was given a boast when Brunel decided to build his steamships, Great Western (1837) and Great Britain (1843) in Bristol.

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