British Online Archives

The Bristol Presentments are bills of entry derived from official sources, namely the reports and manifests of ships which docked in the port of Bristol in South-West England. These bills are divided into two categories. The first contains details of imports, usually foreign produce carried on foreign vessels. The second records exports, usually produced or manufactured in Britain and destined for foreign markets. This collection thus provides an insightful overview of global trade from the onset of the industrial revolution to the height of the First World War.

Note: Some of the volumes are incomplete and those for 1829 and 1845 are missing

The Board of Customs and Excise have ordered that, until further notice, particulars of Imports of Food, Drink and Tobacco, Clearances of Dutiable Goods and Drawback Tobacco, shall not be disclosed

H. M. Customs ans Excise; Bill of Entry; Custom House; Monday, December 31st, 1917, 1910-1917; 1917; img 112

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Insights

These records reveal how the quantities of items shipped each week changed during the industrial revolution. They also reveal the changes in trading priorities over this time.

The presentments from the 18th century include ships' names and cargoes. They also include the names of people and companies associated with each shipment on board.

During the 19th century these presentments became more formal and began to include warehousing records, as well as import taxes paid.

By the 20th century the focus of these items was upon totals of goods sent to or received from different national ports and foreign countries.