WALKING TOUR Revolutionary Mayhem: The Bombardment of Bristol in 1775

On the afternoon of October 7, 1775, a squadron of British ships, led by Captain James Wallace, left Newport and sailed into Bristol. After firing a salute, the town’s leaders were asked to meet Wallace to discuss British demands. The residents refused. The British then bombarded the town with cannon balls and shells for about an hour and a half.

Meanwhile, Captain Simeon Potter, former pirate, privateer, and slave trader, boarded Wallace’s ship and negotiated a cease-fire. Wallace demanded 200 sheep and 30 cattle, but the town was unable to comply, not having sufficient stock. Eventually, the British accepted 40 sheep in exchange for a peaceful departure from Bristol. Remnant cannonballs and other shot from the bombardment are held in the BH&PS collections.

$15 Non Members, $10 for BH&PS Members

10-11:30 AM
Meet at BH&PS Headquarters, 48 Court Street, Bristol