Bristol Avon

The Bristol Avon rises in Gloucestershire, its Sherston and Tetbury branches uniting at the Wiltshire market town of Malmesbury. After flowing through Chippenham, Lacock, Melksham and Bradford-on-Avon, the river runs through the Limpley Stoke Valley on its way to Bath in Somerset. Well known for its architecture, and steeped in history, Bath is the first city encountered on the river's journey. Bristol, famous for its ships and seafarers, is the second. From there, the river passes under the Clifton Suspension Bridge and through the spectacular Avon Gorge to the Severn estuary at Avonmouth. Made navigable between Bath and Bristol during 1724-7, the Bristol Avon was linked to London in 1810, when the Bath to Newbury section of the Kennet and Avon Canal was completed. Formerly used by working craft, the navigation between the two cities now provides pleasure boaters with an enjoyable cruise. Bristol's Floating Harbour is a haven for both inland and sea-going vessels. In this nostalgic collection of well-captioned prints and photographs, the author examines life along the Bristol Avon over the centuries. Town and village scenes, as well as mills, bridges and locks, are featured, while the illustrations of craft on the river show rowing boats, sailing vessels, narrowboats, cargo ships, paddle steamers and pilot skiffs. Fascinating 19th-century engravings and early 20th-century postcards show Bristol as it was before the old city was bombed during the Second World War. This charming new study of the Bristol Avon will be of great interest not only to residents, river users and visitors to the area, but also to those who are researching their family history in the communities along its banks.