The city’s oldest residents will remember when the river still went as far as where the cenotaph is today.
Others will recall when the centre had well-kept ornamental gardens with neat lawns and flower beds.
Bristol city centre has changed dramatically over the decades and Bristolians of all ages will have their own memories and views of the area. These days, the late 1990s-installed fountains have stopped working are finally due to be removed. Some will say it looked much nicer in the old days.
Here are 12 incredible photos from the archives showing Bristol city centre as it was, going back to Victorian times through to the late 1970s.
9. River view
The view from College Green looking across St Augustine’s Reach, circa 1890, with the river still flowing through the city centre. | Know Your Place
10. Horse drawn
An early 20th Century view looking up Park Street with a shop front displaying a full-sized horse advertising blankets and tack. An early motor bus heads up the hill towards Clifton. | Know Your Place
11. Festival of Britain
The Festival of Britain decorations in June 1951. Medieval St Nicholas Church stands gutted and still roofless after the Blitz. On the right, only the tower remains of St Mary le Port church. | Know Your Place
12. War time
A public air raid shelter on College Green in 1939, the year Britain declared war with Germany. | Know Your Place