Portishead Town in Somerset

Location

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Map showing location of Portishead

Portishead is a town some 6 miles from Bristol in North Somerset. It currently has a population of about 22,000,and is growing quite rapidly. There has been a settlement here since Roman times and Portishead has a long history as a fishing port. It expanded rapidly during the early 19th century around the docks, with supporting transport infrastructure. A power station and chemical works were added in the 20th century, but the dock and industrial facilities have since closed and been redeveloped into a marina and residential areas. Portishead is now primarily a dormitory town for Bristol and its environs, although a range of service industries has grown up. The headquarters of Avon and Somerset Constabulary are in Portishead.