From daredevil painters to fun-seeking children on roller skates, these images show a history of the bridge from its construction to modern day.
1. Work starts on the bridge
A pillar for the bridge can be seen in the background of this picture taken in 1860, with public baths seen in the foreground. Work on the bridge would take another four years before opening. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
2. The building of the bridge
Photograph from 1863 showing the partially-built structure of the bridge spanning the Avon Gorge in Bristol. The strength of the structure was tested by spreading 500 tons of stone over the bridge. (Henry Guttmann Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
3. Iconic view
Fishing boats line the banks with the bridge in the background in this picture in 1880. To begin with, traffic was minimal over the bridge - but that changed after 1920 with greater car ownership. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
4. Turn of the century
The bridge in its glory in 1900. Below can be seen the operating railway line to Portishead. (London Stereoscopic Company/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)