The Cross and Vicinity, Bristol

Two or three blocks northeast from the Theater Royal, the High Street runs from Bristol Bridge (18th-19th century) to the Cross.

Near the bridge stands the former St Nicholas' Church, now a museum. Among many items of interest are three huge panels ("The Sealing of the Tomb", "The Ascension" and "The Three Marys at the Tomb") comprising a triptych by William Hogarth, painted for the high altar of St Mary Redcliffe in 1756.

The covered market in the High Street in Bristol dates from the mid 18th century.

Facing Corn Street and adjoining the covered market at the rear, the Palladian style Exchange was built between 1740 and 1743 by John Wood the Elder. In front of the building stand four tables, the brass "nails" on which Bristol merchants used to settle their transactions, giving rise to the expression "paying on the nail".

The large St Stephen's Church, two blocks to the west of the Exchange, dates from the mid 16th century.

The Old Council House, a neo-Classical building on the corner of Corn and Broad Streets, was constructed in 1827 by Robert Smirke (1781-1867).

Christ Church (1786-90) opposite the Old Council House has an unusual clock.

After Christ Church, Broad Street passes the Bristol Guildhall (1843-46; on the left).

Past the Guildhall (1843-46; on the left), Broad Street ends at St John's Gate, originally part of the old city wall. Figures of Brennus and Belinus, mythical founders of Bristol, embellish the arch.

Above the arch of St John's Gate rises the steeple of St John's Church (14th century; interesting crypt), the body of the church being on a level with the wall.

Beyond St John's Gate, Christmas Street leads to Christmas Steps, an ancient alleyway paved in 1669 and now lined with antique and souvenir shops.

East of St John's Gate, Nelson Street runs through to Broadmead and the nearby shopping center (pedestrian precinct).

Another fine church is St Mark's Chapel or the Lord Mayor's Chapel, originally the chapel of a hospital founded by the Fitzharding family in 1220. The aisle is Early English (late 13th century) the rest Perpendicular (15th and late 16th century) with many elements typical of the Gothic style.

The University, established in 1909, is situated in Clifton, a popular residential district with a number of fine Georgian houses. The 200ft/60m late Gothic tower, built to commemorate the University's founding benefactors, Sir G. A. and H. H. Wills (of the famous Wills tobacco company), is one of Bristol's most prominent landmarks.

Housed in the group of Victorian buildings west of the University is the City Art Gallery and Museum. Several of its collections are of special interest, including the oriental collection, the collection of Old Masters and the section devoted to Brunel and his many technical achievements.

Also worth seeing in Bristol near the University is the Red Lodge, with old furniture and a particularly fine Elizabethan room.

Worth seeing in Bristol near the University is the elegantly furnished Georgian House (18th century) a little to the west of Red Lodge.There are 11 rooms that feature the basement with the kitchen, housekeeper's room, and pantry; formal rooms such as John Pinney's office, two dining rooms, a Library and two drawing rooms; and two exhibits highlighting Pinney's involvement in the sugar trade and his slave, Pero.

Foster's Almshouses in Colston Street, completed in 1861, are worth visiting, a pleasing mixture of Tudor and French Gothic elements with patterned masonry, external galleries and a cylindrical staircase of wood.

The Maritime Heritage Center provides an interesting insight into the history of Bristol's shipbuilding and maritime trade.

The SS Great Britain, Brunel's famous steamship, lies in Great Western Dock near Gas Ferry Road. Launched in 1843 she was the first vessel built in Bristol to have an iron hull and screw propulsion.

No visitor should leave Bristol without seeing the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge. It spans the 260ft/80m deep Avon Gorge on the west side of the limestone plateau known as Clifton Down and Durdham Down. Measuring 702ft/214m between the piers the bridge was completed in 1864, 33 years after Brunel (died 1859) had first submitted his prize winning plans.

East of the Clifton suspension bridge lies the Bristol Zoo Gardens, notable particularly for their monkey enclosure and aquariums.A children's open-air play area and playroom are open daily. Also, there is a new enclosure for Wendy the elephant.

The little thatched almshouses (1811) of Blaise Hamlet in Henbury (4mi/6.4km north-northwest) make a charming picture. Designed by John Nash they are now a museum.