Bristol

Bristol was very involved in the slave trade in the 18th century. Goods such as wool, brass and iron were given exchanged with the Africans in return for slaves. These slaves were in turn exchanged in the West Indies for run, tobacco and sugar.

Shipbuilding was probably the most important industry in Bristol, although glass and metals were also made. These metals were used to make chains, anchors and cannons. Some of the tobacco imported from the West Indies was turned into ‘snuff’ in windmills. Brewing and coal mining took place here too, and there was a chocolate industry.

Bristol’s population continued to rise rapidly in the 19th century. The port continued to be very successful and more docks were built.

Shipbuilding and chocolate were still very successful in the 19th century, and soap making, whereas the copper, brass and glass industries had declined. Towards the end of the 19th century there was also a cotton industry in Bristol.