Kearsley's Traveller's Entertaining Guide through Great Britain (1803)
In wealth, trade and population this city and seaport has long been reckoned the second in this kingdom. It is seated at the confluence of the Avon with the Frome. The tide rising to a great height in these narrow rivers brings vessels of considerable burden to the quay, which extends along the inner shores of the Frome and Avon; but at low water they lie aground. Bristol has eighteen churches, besides its cathedral, the most remarkable is St Mary Radcliffe, one of the finest in the kingdom. It has a prodigious trade. Here are fifteen glass-houses and the sugar refinery is one of its principal manufactures. The hot wells are much frequented; they are of great purity, have obtained a high reputation in the treatment of consumptive cases, and are about a mile from the city. In St Vincent's rock, above this well, are found those native crystals,so well known by the name of Bristol stones. In the college-green stands a stately high cross of Gothic structure, decorated with the effigies of several of the kings of England. They use sledges instead of carts, because the vaults of common sewers will not admit them. The wells, which were raised in the reign of William II have been long demolished; but there are several gates yet standing. It became a bishop's seat in the reign of Henry the Eight.
Inns: Bush, White Lion, White Hart, Talbot.
Use the "Show me" link to locate Bristol on the map. You may need to scroll down to see Bristol highlighted.
Chapter 39 