Anita's Nursery

Easton-In-Gordano, Bristol

Bristol lies on the River Avon which flows along the Avon Gorge forming an attractive gateway approaching Bristol from the Bristol channel to the west.

The Avon Gorge is spanned by Bristol's most distinctive landmark, the impressive Clifton Suspension Bridge, 245 feet above the Avon, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel but not opened until 1864, five years after his death.

An old English expression 'paying on the nail' derives from Bristol. Four bronze small pillars, or tables, can be seen in front of the Corn Exchange Building on Corn Street. These are known as "The Nails", and it was here that merchants in the 18th Century would complete their transactions, hence 'paying on the nail'.

Another interesting term 'Bristol Time' was used to describe how the exact time in Bristol, which lies 2 minutes 35' west of Greenwich, is in fact 10 minutes behind GMT based on the Greenwich meridian. The magnificent clock in the Corn Exchange, shows this with two minute hands! A black hand showing GMT, and a red minute hand, 10 minutes behind, showing the current Bristol time!

Bristol is famous for many people, including John Cabot, who sailed from here in 1497 and discovered Newfoundland, one year before Columbus landed on the mainland of America.