The wild and lawless backdrop of privateering, buccaneering and piracy is an exciting aspect of Bristol and the West Country’s maritime history that has often been overlooked. It has also provided rich literary inspiration for books that are now part of our national heritage.
Perhaps the most famous and best loved pirate book of all is Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, dominated by the charismatic and terrifyingly unforgettable pirate, Long John Silver, and set against a backdrop of eighteenth century Bristol.
The Treasure Island Trail, produced by the Long John Silver Trust, seeks to introduce as many new readers as possible to this wonderful book by celebrating Bristol’s historical and literary connections with the world of pirates. It lays out a short Treasure Island trail around the Bristol harbourside, which we hope will provide an easily accessible and interactive Harbourside experience for young and young at heart.
We are grateful to the Mervyn Peake Estate for their enthusiasm and support, and for permission to use the original Mervyn Peake Treasure Island illustrations in this publication.
A group of local enthusiasts have formed The Long John Silver Trust and have produced this booklet in order to try and create a trail that they hope will enhance the city, giving pleasure to both Bristolians and visitors alike, and allow them to more fully appreciate its illustrious maritime history.
To find out more about the Trust and its plans for developing the Trail, please access their website: click here
“Yo Ho Ho and a Boat Load of Fun”
