The show covers the development of the port from a small tidal riverside harbour, some of which is now filled in. As an example the Roman Catholic church, St Mary�s on the Quay, is now on a busy city street!
We are guided through the various developments of the port with the aid of both old and contemporary photographs. Albion dock is shown where Charles Hill & Sons the Bristol Ship builders and repairers were based. The last ship built here was MIRANDA GUINESS in 1976. Isombard Kingdom Brunell is closely linked with the city and there are pictures of GREART WESTERN and the groundbreaking GREAT BRITAIN. There is a good collection of pictures of GREAT BRITAIN arriving in Bristol from the Falkland Islands and at various stages of reconstruction in the Great Western Dock.
There were many photos of visitors to the docks particularly during sea festivals and other maritime events. Ships are also seen from Battery Point and the grounds of the Royal Hotel. The emphasis then moves to Avonmouthwith maps to show the various developments of the port since it opened in 1877. Goods handled are various within the complex ranging from oil to grain, and bananas to walnuts and forest products.The dry dock is the largest in the Bristol Channel and can accommodate a fully loaded vessel. There are then pictures of the development of Royal Portbury Dock across the river. This started in 1972.
Throughout the tour of these famous docks we saw a wide selection of vessels from the humble but vital dredger to the only cruise ship to visit (at that time) the KUNGSHOLM. Other visitors included sail training ships, warships, tugs, container ships, tankers, refers, coasters, and the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Our thanks to all involved in producing this professional, well-illustrated and researched show, well worth the second showing