This military knapsack dates to about 1805. The carrying strap with it could be the only surviving example of a greatcoat roll carrying strap.

They belonged to Lieutenant George Weare Braikenridge (1775 - 1856) whilst he was in the Royal Bristol Volunteers, 3rd Company. He was made Lieutenant on 27th August 1803, and withdrew in 1805 because of his health.

Brainkenridge lived in Brislington and was a merchant based in Queen Square. Bristol's lucrative trade with the West Indies enabled Brainkenridge to retire from business in 1820, aged 46. He became an antiquarian, collecting antiques and material relating to contemporary life in Bristol. His collections are now cared for by the Bristol Archives, Bristol Central Library and Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, and are often consulted by historians. Without Braikenridge, the history of our city would be much poorer.