11/12/2006 by sirrob.

Bristol is the tenth biggest city in England, having at one time being second only to London.

From what I can see this wonderful city is steeped in history. With it being at the centre of the slave triangle where goods were taken from the docks here in the city centre across to the African continent, then swapped for the human cargo which was then taken across the oceans to the America’s. The slaves were sold off in exchange for goods which were then brought back to Bristol.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Bristol, make sure to visit St Mary’s church at Redcliffe. It’s a fantastic building. but above all is the abundance of gold decorating the roof, which was donated by the merchants who made vast fortunes from their their trade in human misery.

Slavery was practised in Bristol long before the slave triangle. Around 1,000 years ago or even longer, poor people would sell their children to the wealthy merchants into a seven year “Appenticeship” Then, the children were shipped to Ireland and put to work. At the end of their “Apprenticeship,” the victims were so poorly paid that they couldn’t afford the fares to return to Bristol so they had to remain.
Isambard Kingston Brunel made a big impact on this city too, and there is much evidence of his great engineering work that still remains in the city. Like the worlds first iron steam ship, SS Great Britain. Temple Meads railway station and Clifton Suspension Bridge.

John Cabot sailed from here on the Matthew in 1497 when he discovered the unimaginitively named Newfoundland. The Kings Customs Officer for Bristol at the time was a Richard Merrick, he was chief sponsor of the expedition. It’s thought that the land was named after him for his patronage. Also his coat of arms was a shield of stars and stripes so could well have become the National Flag of America

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11/12/2006 by sirrob.

Well, I use the internet a lot so I thought it only appropriate to have a place where you can find out a little more about me and what I do.

I think my lifestyle is much different to a lot of people, and I know from past contacts that a lot of people are interested in what I do. I do not intend to use the blog to pass my opinions on to anyone else, but I hope that some of what I say will be helpful to others, and maybe some of you will be so kind as to pass your own idea’s on to me.

I hope over a period of time to give you a little information about me, and you enjoy what you read.

Feel free to make comments on my postings

Rob

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