Britain's Most Historic Towns Season 2 Episode 2 Georgian Bristol

In this episode of Britain's Most Historic Towns, host Alice Roberts heads to Bristol to explore its rich history during the Georgian era. Starting off at the stunning Clifton Suspension Bridge, she takes viewers back in time to the 1700s when Bristol was one of the country's most important ports, responsible for importing goods from across the world.

Roberts meets up with local historian Steve Poole, who explains how the city's growth during this era was linked to the transatlantic slave trade, which funded the construction of many of Bristol's beautiful buildings. As they walk through the city, Roberts and Poole visit some of the grandest Georgian houses, including Red Lodge and The Georgian House, which offer a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy families who lived in them.

Next up, Roberts travels to the Bristol Old Vic, one of the oldest working theatres in the country, which has been entertaining audiences since 1766. She meets with artistic director Tom Morris to talk about the role the theatre played in Georgian society and how it has evolved over the centuries.

Moving on, Roberts visits the famous St Nicholas Market, which has been a hub of commerce and culture since the 1700s. She chats with traders and residents to get a sense of how the market has changed over the years and how it remains an important part of Bristol's vibrant street scene.

The episode also takes a closer look at Bristol's industrial revolution, which brought about major changes to the city's landscape and economy. Roberts visits the SS Great Britain, the world's first iron-hulled steamship, which was built in Bristol in 1843 and transformed the way goods were transported across the seas.

Throughout the episode, Roberts reflects on the darker side of Bristol's past, including the role it played in the slave trade and its legacy of inequality. She also highlights the role of Bristolians in the abolition movement, including the famous campaigner and former slave Olaudah Equiano.

Overall, Georgian Bristol offers a fascinating insight into one of Britain's most historic towns and its enduring legacy. With beautiful buildings, rich culture, and a complex past, Bristol is a city that continues to intrigue and inspire visitors to this day.