Bristol is a city in southwest England and has a long maritime history, being one of the largest trading ports in the world in its time. Evidence of Neanderthals during the Middle Palaeolithic period (126,000 – 300,000 years ago) have been found in the St Annes and Shirehampton areas of the city.

Buildings from most architectural periods of the United Kingdom can be seen in the city. Surviving elements of the fortifications and castle date to the medieval period, and the Church of St James dates back to the 12th century.

Bristol's population grew fivefold in the 19th century, when Clifton and Cotham suburbs came into being and which provide architectural examples from the Georgian to the Regency style, with many fine terraces and villas facing the road, and at right angles to it.

Bristol grew steadily during the 20th century but was heavily bombed in the 2nd world war when nearly 100,000 buildings were damaged. The rebuilding of Bristol city centre was characterised by 1960s and 1970s skyscrapers, mid-century modern architecture and road improvements.

Beginning in the 1980s some main roads were closed, the Georgian-era Queen Square and Portland Square were restored, the Broadmead shopping area regenerated, and one of the city centre's tallest mid-century towers was demolished.

There are many new build developments, including in Fishponds, Keynsham, Thronbury, Emersons Green and Yate offering anything from 3,4 and 5-bedroom family houses to 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, depending on the development. Many developments offer shared ownership.