Find out what we do to discover and protect the things that make Bristol one of the most important historic cities in Europe.
Bristol was founded at around 1000AD, and people have been living in the area for hundreds of thousands of years. This has left a rich variety of archaeology including:
- lower Palaeolithic artefacts, such as those found at Shirehampton
- Iron Age hill forts and Roman villas and settlements
- medieval settlements and buildings
- 18th and 19th century industries, sites and settlements
- the 19th century harbour
- 20th century sites
We make sure that these sites and other areas of special interest are recognised and protected by producing guidance which helps to inform the planning policies of the future.