This is the first volume of a fascinating series of DVDs which celebrates Bristol’s long and distinguished history as a major port. These three fully narrated colour archive films were originally commissioned by the Port of Bristol Authority from 1950 to the early 1960s, and were subsequently presented to Bristol Record Office as archive material. They are now available to enjoy on DVD, in association with historical specialists 1st Take. Bristol was once known as ‘the cradle of the British Empire’ and its favourable situation was central to its success. See how products such as food, timber, petroleum, fruit, wine and tobacco were handled by the skilful and hardy Bristol dockers in the days long before ‘health and safety’ ruled. This is an evocative record of an era when commodities were still loaded and unloaded at the Avonmouth, City and Portishead Docks by men in flat caps armed with their famous hooks, before containerisation and mass- mechanisation transformed the scene. Relax and enjoy this window into a bygone age.