Retirement Properties Spotlight in Downend

Bristol dates from Anglo-Saxon times although there was a large Roman settlement at Seaford Mills and possibly a camp at Clifton. During the Middle Ages the city was the scene of many clashes between warring factions and its castle, now destroyed, was once one of the greatest in England.

In 1552 the Society of Merchant Adventurers was incorporated by Royal Charter and through the next two centuries more than 10,000 emigrants departed from the port to settle the Americas. The city's 19th century fame rests largely with Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the most famous engineer of the Victorian era. He built the Great Western Railway, Clifton Suspension Bridge and his vessel, the SS Great Britain is in the City Docks.

Today Bristol is a thriving industrial and commercial city and although the docks have moved to Avonmouth and Royal Portbury smaller vessels recall the City's maritime past. With a wealth of fine architecture and with excellent leisure and cultural amenities the city remains a magnate for all generations.