Home / Guide Book / Did you know..?

Did you know..?

We think Bristol's amazing. Here are some little-know facts about the city, and take a look at Filmed in Bristol, Famous Bristolians and Literary Bristol

Harry Potter was based on a boy that author J K Rowling met in Bristol as a child.

The last reading of the Riot Act in the UK happened in Queen Square in 1831. Almost half of the square was burned down by rioters protesting against the 1830 Reform Bill.

Ribena, tarmac and the Plimsoll line were all invented in Bristol.

Nipper the dog on the HMV logo was born in Bristol.

The University of Bristol was the first higher education institution to admit women on an equal basis to men.

Cameron Balloons, the world's largest hot air balloon makers, are based here and have made numerous world-record breaking balloons.

Bristol is the home of the oldest Methodist chapel in the world - John Wesley's New Room in Broadmead.

Lara Croft, the Tomb Raider heroine was created by Bristol-based Toby Gard. Legend has it that the original Lara was based on his sister Frances. In 2001, Lara Croft made the jump from digital action babe into major moves with Lara Croft: Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie.

Clifton College buildings were used as the headquarters of the US 1st Army during World War II from 1943-1945. General Bradley later presented the College with his personal three-star general's banner and a US flag, the latter being flown on the College flagstaff each Independence Day.

Bristol is....

The happiest place to live in England! - You Gov Poll 2006

Britain's Funniest City - Reader's Digest Survey August 07

Britain's Most Honest City - Survey April 2007

A European Centre of Culture

One of the UK's top party cities

One of six UK Science Cities

The top digital city in the region

A fairtrade City

A Eurocity

A core city