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Bristol lies partly in the county of Somerset, partly in that of Gloucester, and was by Edward III. erected into an independent city and a county of itself. The rivers Avon and Frome run through it. The ground on which the city stands is very unequal. It is nearly 8 miles in circumference, and is supposed to cover about 1600 acres. The city, with its suburbs, contains between 700 and 800 streets, squares, and lanes, 10 markets for various commodities, and upwards of 400 licensed public houses. Bristol is a city of great antiquity. It is supposed to have been an inhabited place so early as the time of the Roman Invasion. About the time of the Norman Conquest, a strong fortress was erected there by the Earls of Gloucester, which, after it had stood about six centuries, was demolished by orders of Oliver Cromwell. During the Civil wars, it was garrisoned for the Parliament, but was stormed by King Charles, July 24, 1643. After the defeat of Charles at Naseby, Bristol surrendered to Fairfax after a siege of twenty-one days. During the excitement created by the Reform Bill, Bristol was the scene of a violent tumult, in which many lives were lost, and property destroyed to the value of nearly £70,000.

Bristol contains upwards of 20 churches and chapels of ease, besides a considerable number of chapels belonging to various bodies of Dissenters. The cathedral was originally a monastery dedicated to St Augustine. The only vestige of the original structure is a beautiful gateway. Bristol was erected into a bishop's see by Henry VIII., who annexed to its jurisdiction the whole of Dorsetshire, part of Gloucestershire, and three churches formerly in the see of Wells. In 1836, the sees of Gloucester and Bristol were conjoined. Secker, Butler, Newton, and other eminent men have held the office of Bishop of Bristol. Bishop Warburton was once Dean of this cathedral, as was also Dr. Josiah Tucker, the politico-economical writer. It was in the church of St Mary Radcliffe, that Chatterton pretended to have found the papers which he endeavoured to pass off as the MSS. of Rowley. The Exchange, erected in 1740-41, cost nearly £50,000. The city abounds in public schools and in hospitals, alms-houses, and other charitable institutions. Bristol carries on a considerable foreign trade to the West Indies, America, Newfoundland, and also to Spain and Portugal. The net amount of customs' duties for the year 1857, was £1,211,035. A considerable quantity of foreign produce is conveyed to Bristol coastwise under bond. Bristol has also a considerable inland trade, especially with the western counties, and with North and South Wales. The principal manufactures of Bristol are, glass, sugar, iron, brass, copper, lead, zinc, floorcloth, leather, earthenware, tobacco, &c.

The Bristol Docks were formed in 1804-9, by changing the course of the rivers Avon and Frome, and placing gates or locks at the extremity of the old channel. They were materially improved in 1849, and the accommodation will admit of any extension which the increase of trade may require. The works were formed by a proprietary body, at an expense of £600,000, but in 1849 they were transferred to the corporation. Amount of Dock dues collected in 1849, £28,699:5:8.

Bristol is divided, for municipal purposes, into ten wards, and its government is vested in a mayor, 16 aldermen, and 48 councillors. It returns two members to Parliament. The population, in 1831, amounted to 117,016, and in 1851, to 137,328. About a mile from Bristol is Clifton, a beautiful suburb of the city. Here are baths, springs, hot wells, assembly rooms, &c. In the neighbourhood of Bristol there are a number of fine mansions.

XLV. BATH TO SOUTHAMPTON THROUGH SALISBURY, 61 Miles.

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XLVI. BATH TO POOLE THROUGH WARMINSTER, SHAFTESBURY,

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Poole derives its name from the pool or bay on the north side of which it is situated. The harbour is reckoned the best and safest in the channel, and will admit vessels of 14 feet draught. Formerly, the principal branch of business was the Newfoundland fishery, but the inhabitants are now largely engaged in the import and export trade to the Baltic, America, Portugal, &c. Poole has an ancient church, several meeting-houses, free and charity schools, besides charitable institutions. It returns 2 members to Parliament. Pop. 1851, 9255. Midway between Poole and Christchurch is the new watering-place of Bournemouth. XLVII. FROM BATH TO WEYMOUTH THROUGH FROME, 624 Miles.

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