Bristol and the Empire
‘Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the waves’
From a poem by James Thomson, 1740
The British Empire was built on power, diplomacy and trade. At its height it ruled over 400 million people, a quarter of the world’s population.
As a major port, Bristol had played an important role in the growth of the Empire. Countries of the Empire supplied Britain with raw materials and foods, and Britain supplied them with manufactured goods. Ships brought cargoes such as bananas, wheat and frozen meat into Bristol’s docks, then set sail again carrying goods to all corners of the globe.
The British Empire was built on power, diplomacy and trade. At its height it ruled over 400 million people, a quarter of the world’s population.
As a major port, Bristol had played an important role in the growth of the Empire. Countries of the Empire supplied Britain with raw materials and foods, and Britain supplied them with manufactured goods. Ships brought cargoes such as bananas, wheat and frozen meat into Bristol’s docks, then set sail again carrying goods to all corners of the globe.