Covid-19
During these uncertain times, keeping people safe on my tours is very important to me.
To give you peace of mind here are the guidelines that I am following.
During these uncertain times, keeping people safe on my tours is very important to me.
To give you peace of mind here are the guidelines that I am following.
There is no doubt that Rob is an expert on the history of Bristol and takes great pride in parting this knowledge. As a person of colour and a teacher,... read more I was very much interested in Bristol’s most recent history, especially the Colston statue. This part of the tour was moving and thought provoking in terms of the varying reactions from Bristolians and the BLM movement in the UK.
Having been on many walking tours in the East End of London, I am of the opinion that academic tours can be much more than pure facts, monarchs and dates. I understand that the content of the walk is an evolving response to the Colston statue being toppled. I hope that Rob continues to heed advice and the tour does not remain static as much of the information given about the harbour and river could have been condensed without losing its sense of importance. Human stories about Bristolians in the past and present would have been welcome as it’s these experiences that really inform our shared history.
Highly informative and thought-provoking walk - We did the history of slavery walk. The structure of the walk/talk was really well thought-out. I found content on the wider context of Bristol & slavery particularly helpful in... read more developing my understanding. Can't recommend this walk enough. Also extremely good value and Rob was very generous in answering our questions and providing further reading recs.
Rob is hugely knowledgeable about the History of Bristol and it's connections with the British slave trade. He was able to take the students (A Level) on a chronological... read more overview that examined Bristol's economic history and how that enabled/encouraged Bristol's involvement with the slave trade.
Rob is clearly very informed about the history of Bristol regarding the slave trade. The most enjoyable parts were near the Colston statue, his relevance and contribution to the city... read more and how he continues to be a divisive figure in Bristol. The sheer level of detail in the tour was impressive but it often felt that there was a bombardment of facts and figures which was hard for the audience to process and the relevance of them to the slave trade was lost. The content needs stripping down to main points as it was considerably long. More human stories about ordinary Bristolians would have been welcome. It is also worth mentioning that the walking tour in its entirety had four stops. We stayed at the first stop for a nearly an hour.
Rob gave our group of six adults an excellent history lesson and insight into Bristol's (and Bath) involvement in the Atlantic Slave Trade. There were certainly many things that we... read more had never considered before and gives thought to our own involvement in the modern slave economy. A very worthwhile couple of hours to learn about a history largely ignored.
What a fantastic way to be introduced to Bristol! Susan is knowledgeable, kind and fun. We got to learn about the history of the city, recent developments, notorious figures, the... read more slave trade, and so much more. Would recommend wearing comfy shoes as it's not a quick tour, but definitely worth it!
Rob took myself and my colleagues as a private group on his Bristol Slave Trade Walk and we all found it both thought provoking and incredibly interesting. Rob’s knowledge of... read more the transatlantic slave economy, in particular on key dates throughout history and around Colston’s role, was phenomenal. The walk was so thoroughly researched and well informed it provided a really insightful tour allowing us to learn so much about a huge part of Bristol’s history that is so important to understand. Rob also provided us a great deal of useful resources to continue our education, which was hugely appreciated. I’d highly recommend Rob to anyone living in, or visiting, Bristol.
I attended both the Bristol Slave Trade Walk and the Bath's Slave Economy in the 18th century Walk.
Rob has a phenomenal recall remembering names dates places and people. Quite... read more a feat. The Bristol walk was more of a talk and walk which was so engaging we ran over considerably. So much untold history to discuss which is coming to light in Bristol not withstanding because of the world watching the removal of Colston's statue. Rob handles this subject sensitively and I love that he acknowledges that the enslaved Africans we just that "enslaved" not "slaves" which is a dehumanizing term.
Rob provides an academic overview of Bristol's history which many are still unaware of so I found it very enlightening. On to Bath, Rob exceeded himself with this walk. A full blown tour of Bath's historical buildings, people, the baths themselves and more. The tour was excellent and we could have gone on for much longer...we were so engaged in what Rob had to share. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
I was a little skeptical on the academic approach to the UK and Transatlantic Slavery history, but I was blown away by the depth of knowledge and conscientious approach Rob... read more and his community has out in to their research and delivery.
A very thought provoking walk through history which defiantly made me ponder on the relationship between commerce, class and morality in the UK both of the past and today.
Bath is a beautiful city filled with friendly and creative people of all walks of life. A great day out!
Rob Collin is a remarkable guide with encyclopedic detail to share about the transatlantic slave economy arising from Bristol trade and the ways it continues to shape common life there.... read more I’m glad more of us in our communities are beginning to address the realities of such histories that have so often been selective in trusty-telling. Rob’s tour is a good primer for anyone—Bristolian or otherwise. I highly recommend it.
The tour was fantastic, complete and very interesting. As English is not my mother tongue, Susan (our tour guide) used to check if the message was correctly understood. Susan was... read more an amazing and kind tourist guide. 100% recomendable.
We had an amazing time with Susan during our walking tour around Bristol! Susan has managed to transmit her love and passion for Bristol throughout our 2,5+++ hours tour. Let’s... read more say that now I’m obsessed by pirates stories! She also managed to install a very interactive and nice ambiance within the group, some of us went together to grab lunch afterwards. Definitely one of the best walking tours I’ve ever done with one of the best guides I have encountered!
An excellent balanced and thorough presentation of the facts regarding Bristol's involvement in the Slave Trade. Rob certainly knows his subject and has a thought-provoking way of presenting such... read more a difficult topic. Well worth taking the Slave Trade Tour if you have an interest in the subject.
Absolutely fantastic tour with Rob Collin. First class tour from the moment I booked, to when Rob completed the tour. Exceptionally well informed. Rob repeated key details, ensuring we understood... read more the key points. Any questions that I asked for further clarification and further information on, were answered with sensitivity. Book recommendations also provided. This is a must. Highly recommend.
An excellent tour in every way! As a Bristolian I was fascinated by the insight beyond the headlines around Bristol's role in the slave trade that Rob was able to... read more provide, clearly after years of practice and study.
His delivery was enthusiastic, engaging and most importantly, memorable. Rob encouraged input from the group and was able to adapt his tour along the way towards our specific interests and questions.
I now feel much more informed about the historic events that continue to be at the forefront of so many of Bristol's political and social issues.
Highly recommended and not to be missed!
We attended the Bristol Slave Trade walk with Rob Collin in June 2022. Rob's knowledge and expertise on the topic is incredible, and he led a very enjoyable and engaging... read more tour. I would certainly recommend Rob to anyone interested in the subject and wouldn't hesitate to attend another of his tours. Thank you Rob.
We attended Rob's Bristol Slave Trade tour around the Bristol city centre and it was fascinating. Rob has an incredible knowledge of the history of Bristol and shares it in... read more a very engaging way. I'd recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in learning about the history of Birstol.
Rob was extremely knowledgeable and created an informative, thought-provoking experience. Despite my group being made up largely of Bristolians, there was so much about Bristol's history we did not know!... read more Rob's tact when handling sensitive topics was exemplary. We all appreciated his balanced view as a historian.
Thanks Rob for the great tour!
I joined Rob for the Bristol Slave Trade walk on Sunday 8th May. Rob was a fantastic guide.. knowledgable and enthusiastic. He happily answered questions and was willing to continue... read more the walk even though our time was up. Rob obviously cares deeply both about Bristol and its involvement in the slave trade. His passion was infectious as was his ability to provoke thought without preaching or condescension. He clearly enjoys meeting people and sharing his knowledge. I learned a great deal about the city I have chosen to call home. Thank you Rob.
Excellent analysis of the Bristol and the UK’s role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Rob has undertaken detailed research and explains the issues in a very clear and thought... read more provoking way. I felt we gained new insights to part of our history that is often glossed over. All very relevant to the current day as we explore the impact of white privilege and question who and what we memorialise.
It seemed only right that we should close Black History Month with an examination of Bristol's key role in the Transatlantic slave economy and what better guide to steer us... read more through the origins and legacy than Rob Collin. Combining local knowledge with academic rigour and genuine passion for his subject, Rob was able to shine a light on how the growth of Bristol as a port and manufacturing centre was bound up with the triangular trade. Most thought-provoking, perhaps, was the discussion of Edward Colston, celebrated less for what he did in his lifetime, but more as a philanthropic role model for Victorian business and civic leaders. History continues to teach, but we must be open to learning.
We joined the Bristol Slave Trade walk on a wet and windy morning in late October. Rob provided a thoughtful and detailed tour, stopping at various stations around the heart... read more of Bristol. He sort of referenced it as he spoke, which meant that we left the tour knowing that Rob's explanation of Bristol's involvement with the historic slave economy is credibly sourced from renown academics. He made the context of his presentation modern, explaining the lessons we could / have / haven't learned, but did so providing different perspectives and therefore leaving you to make up your own mind. Rob's explanation was interesting and thought provoking, and I'd recommend it if you have a few hours to spare in Bristol.
Rob Collin led an evocative, insightful and incredibly detailed tour on the Bristol Slave Trade. For two and half hours, he guided us through the history of Bristol as a... read more local, national and international hub, paying close attention to Bristol's geography, its peoples, its customs and its architecture.
Rob is incredibly knowledgeable, and his passion for unearthing the history (and horrors) of the slave trade is contagious. His contributions to the historical field are tremendous, and his skill in bringing history to life, in a way so easily digestible to the public, is exactly what is needed to inform current and future generations on the slave trade.
I organised the walk with the University of Bristol History Society, as part of Black History Month, and doing so with Rob was very straightforward - he is efficient, communicative and generous with his time.
I can't speak highly enough of Rob and his walk, and he is immensely respected within the UoB History Department.
Rob Collin led an evocative, insightful and incredibly detailed tour on the Bristol Slave Trade. For two and half hours, he guided us through the history of Bristol as a... read more local, national and international hub, paying close attention to Bristol's geography, its peoples, its customs and its architecture. Rob is incredibly knowledgeable, and his passion for unearthing the history (and horrors) of the slave trade is contagious. His contributions to the historical field are tremendous, and his skill in bringing history to life, in a way so easily digestible to the public, is exactly what is needed to inform current and future generations on the slave trade. I organised the walk with the University of Bristol History Society, as part of Black History Month, and doing so with Rob was very straightforward - he is efficient, communicative and generous with his time. I can't speak highly enough of Rob and his walk, and he is immensely respected within the UoB History Department.
We had an excellent walk in Bristol on Saturday 9th Oct lead by Robert Collins. It was interesting and enjoyable. Robert really brought the place to life. He is... read more amazingly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his city. We have now a much greater understanding of this vibrant city from its ancient history to the most recent events. He did not just give information, he was eloquent and all of us in the group enjoyed thought provoking conversations regarding the legacy of the slave trade. By looking into the past Bristol can now look towards its future as a young vibrant cosmopolitan multi ethnic city. Thank you Robert
We had an excellent walk in Bristol on Saturday 9th Oct lead by Robert Collins. It was interesting and enjoyable. Robert really brought the place to life. He is... read more amazingly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his city. We have now a much greater understanding of this vibrant city from its ancient history to the most recent events. He did not just give information, he was eloquent and all of us in the group enjoyed thought provoking conversations regarding the legacy of the slave trade. By looking into the past Bristol can now look towards its future as a young vibrant cosmopolitan multi ethnic city. Thank you Robert
We joined the Bristol Slave Trade walk on a wet and windy morning in late October. Rob provided a thoughtful and detailed tour, stopping at various stations around the heart... read more of Bristol. He sort of referenced it as he spoke, which meant that we left the tour knowing that Rob's explanation of Bristol's involvement with the historic slave economy is credibly sourced from renown academics. He made the context of his presentation modern, explaining the lessons we could / have / haven't learned, but did so providing different perspectives and therefore leaving you to make up your own mind. Rob's explanation was interesting and thought provoking, and I'd recommend it if you have a few hours to spare in Bristol.
It seemed only right that we should close Black History Month with an examination of Bristol's key role in the Transatlantic slave economy and what better guide to steer us... read more through the origins and legacy than Rob Collin. Combining local knowledge with academic rigour and genuine passion for his subject, Rob was able to shine a light on how the growth of Bristol as a port and manufacturing centre was bound up with the triangular trade. Most thought-provoking, perhaps, was the discussion of Edward Colston, celebrated less for what he did in his lifetime, but more as a philanthropic role model for Victorian business and civic leaders. History continues to teach, but we must be open to learning.
Just did a tour with Robert Collins, absolutely brilliant. Very informative, comprehensive, really enveloping so much of Bristol's history and its place in the country, Europe and the world, the... read more roles and still very relevant legacies of individuals on the town, it's psyche, amid the tumult of global forces they helped drive and mores for good and ill. A fascinating three hours for which he talks and engages without flagging .
There is no doubt that Rob is an expert on the history of Bristol and takes great pride in parting this knowledge. As a person of colour and a teacher,... read more I was very much interested in Bristol’s most recent history, especially the Colston statue. This part of the tour was moving and thought provoking in terms of the varying reactions from Bristolians and the BLM movement in the UK.
Having been on many walking tours in the East End of London, I am of the opinion that academic tours can be much more than pure facts, monarchs and dates. I understand that the content of the walk is an evolving response to the Colston statue being toppled. I hope that Rob continues to heed advice and the tour does not remain static as much of the information given about the harbour and river could have been condensed without losing its sense of importance. Human stories about Bristolians in the past and present would have been welcome as it’s these experiences that really inform our shared history.
Highly informative and thought-provoking walk - We did the history of slavery walk. The structure of the walk/talk was really well thought-out. I found content on the wider context of Bristol & slavery particularly helpful in... read more developing my understanding. Can't recommend this walk enough. Also extremely good value and Rob was very generous in answering our questions and providing further reading recs.
Rob is hugely knowledgeable about the History of Bristol and it's connections with the British slave trade. He was able to take the students (A Level) on a chronological... read more overview that examined Bristol's economic history and how that enabled/encouraged Bristol's involvement with the slave trade.
Rob is clearly very informed about the history of Bristol regarding the slave trade. The most enjoyable parts were near the Colston statue, his relevance and contribution to the city... read more and how he continues to be a divisive figure in Bristol. The sheer level of detail in the tour was impressive but it often felt that there was a bombardment of facts and figures which was hard for the audience to process and the relevance of them to the slave trade was lost. The content needs stripping down to main points as it was considerably long. More human stories about ordinary Bristolians would have been welcome. It is also worth mentioning that the walking tour in its entirety had four stops. We stayed at the first stop for a nearly an hour.
Rob gave our group of six adults an excellent history lesson and insight into Bristol's (and Bath) involvement in the Atlantic Slave Trade. There were certainly many things that we... read more had never considered before and gives thought to our own involvement in the modern slave economy. A very worthwhile couple of hours to learn about a history largely ignored.
What a fantastic way to be introduced to Bristol! Susan is knowledgeable, kind and fun. We got to learn about the history of the city, recent developments, notorious figures, the... read more slave trade, and so much more. Would recommend wearing comfy shoes as it's not a quick tour, but definitely worth it!
Rob took myself and my colleagues as a private group on his Bristol Slave Trade Walk and we all found it both thought provoking and incredibly interesting. Rob’s knowledge of... read more the transatlantic slave economy, in particular on key dates throughout history and around Colston’s role, was phenomenal. The walk was so thoroughly researched and well informed it provided a really insightful tour allowing us to learn so much about a huge part of Bristol’s history that is so important to understand. Rob also provided us a great deal of useful resources to continue our education, which was hugely appreciated. I’d highly recommend Rob to anyone living in, or visiting, Bristol.
I attended both the Bristol Slave Trade Walk and the Bath's Slave Economy in the 18th century Walk.
Rob has a phenomenal recall remembering names dates places and people. Quite... read more a feat. The Bristol walk was more of a talk and walk which was so engaging we ran over considerably. So much untold history to discuss which is coming to light in Bristol not withstanding because of the world watching the removal of Colston's statue. Rob handles this subject sensitively and I love that he acknowledges that the enslaved Africans we just that "enslaved" not "slaves" which is a dehumanizing term.
Rob provides an academic overview of Bristol's history which many are still unaware of so I found it very enlightening. On to Bath, Rob exceeded himself with this walk. A full blown tour of Bath's historical buildings, people, the baths themselves and more. The tour was excellent and we could have gone on for much longer...we were so engaged in what Rob had to share. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
I was a little skeptical on the academic approach to the UK and Transatlantic Slavery history, but I was blown away by the depth of knowledge and conscientious approach Rob... read more and his community has out in to their research and delivery.
A very thought provoking walk through history which defiantly made me ponder on the relationship between commerce, class and morality in the UK both of the past and today.
Bath is a beautiful city filled with friendly and creative people of all walks of life. A great day out!
Rob Collin is a remarkable guide with encyclopedic detail to share about the transatlantic slave economy arising from Bristol trade and the ways it continues to shape common life there.... read more I’m glad more of us in our communities are beginning to address the realities of such histories that have so often been selective in trusty-telling. Rob’s tour is a good primer for anyone—Bristolian or otherwise. I highly recommend it.
The tour was fantastic, complete and very interesting. As English is not my mother tongue, Susan (our tour guide) used to check if the message was correctly understood. Susan was... read more an amazing and kind tourist guide. 100% recomendable.
We had an amazing time with Susan during our walking tour around Bristol! Susan has managed to transmit her love and passion for Bristol throughout our 2,5+++ hours tour. Let’s... read more say that now I’m obsessed by pirates stories! She also managed to install a very interactive and nice ambiance within the group, some of us went together to grab lunch afterwards. Definitely one of the best walking tours I’ve ever done with one of the best guides I have encountered!
An excellent balanced and thorough presentation of the facts regarding Bristol's involvement in the Slave Trade. Rob certainly knows his subject and has a thought-provoking way of presenting such... read more a difficult topic. Well worth taking the Slave Trade Tour if you have an interest in the subject.
Absolutely fantastic tour with Rob Collin. First class tour from the moment I booked, to when Rob completed the tour. Exceptionally well informed. Rob repeated key details, ensuring we understood... read more the key points. Any questions that I asked for further clarification and further information on, were answered with sensitivity. Book recommendations also provided. This is a must. Highly recommend.
An excellent tour in every way! As a Bristolian I was fascinated by the insight beyond the headlines around Bristol's role in the slave trade that Rob was able to... read more provide, clearly after years of practice and study.
His delivery was enthusiastic, engaging and most importantly, memorable. Rob encouraged input from the group and was able to adapt his tour along the way towards our specific interests and questions.
I now feel much more informed about the historic events that continue to be at the forefront of so many of Bristol's political and social issues.
Highly recommended and not to be missed!
We attended the Bristol Slave Trade walk with Rob Collin in June 2022. Rob's knowledge and expertise on the topic is incredible, and he led a very enjoyable and engaging... read more tour. I would certainly recommend Rob to anyone interested in the subject and wouldn't hesitate to attend another of his tours. Thank you Rob.
We attended Rob's Bristol Slave Trade tour around the Bristol city centre and it was fascinating. Rob has an incredible knowledge of the history of Bristol and shares it in... read more a very engaging way. I'd recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in learning about the history of Birstol.
Rob was extremely knowledgeable and created an informative, thought-provoking experience. Despite my group being made up largely of Bristolians, there was so much about Bristol's history we did not know!... read more Rob's tact when handling sensitive topics was exemplary. We all appreciated his balanced view as a historian.
Thanks Rob for the great tour!
I joined Rob for the Bristol Slave Trade walk on Sunday 8th May. Rob was a fantastic guide.. knowledgable and enthusiastic. He happily answered questions and was willing to continue... read more the walk even though our time was up. Rob obviously cares deeply both about Bristol and its involvement in the slave trade. His passion was infectious as was his ability to provoke thought without preaching or condescension. He clearly enjoys meeting people and sharing his knowledge. I learned a great deal about the city I have chosen to call home. Thank you Rob.
There is no doubt that Rob is an expert on the history of Bristol and takes great pride in parting this knowledge. As a person of colour and a teacher,... read more I was very much interested in Bristol’s most recent history, especially the Colston statue. This part of the tour was moving and thought provoking in terms of the varying reactions from Bristolians and the BLM movement in the UK.
Having been on many walking tours in the East End of London, I am of the opinion that academic tours can be much more than pure facts, monarchs and dates. I understand that the content of the walk is an evolving response to the Colston statue being toppled. I hope that Rob continues to heed advice and the tour does not remain static as much of the information given about the harbour and river could have been condensed without losing its sense of importance. Human stories about Bristolians in the past and present would have been welcome as it’s these experiences that really inform our shared history.
Highly informative and thought-provoking walk - We did the history of slavery walk. The structure of the walk/talk was really well thought-out. I found content on the wider context of Bristol & slavery particularly helpful in... read more developing my understanding. Can't recommend this walk enough. Also extremely good value and Rob was very generous in answering our questions and providing further reading recs.
Rob is hugely knowledgeable about the History of Bristol and it's connections with the British slave trade. He was able to take the students (A Level) on a chronological... read more overview that examined Bristol's economic history and how that enabled/encouraged Bristol's involvement with the slave trade.
Rob is clearly very informed about the history of Bristol regarding the slave trade. The most enjoyable parts were near the Colston statue, his relevance and contribution to the city... read more and how he continues to be a divisive figure in Bristol. The sheer level of detail in the tour was impressive but it often felt that there was a bombardment of facts and figures which was hard for the audience to process and the relevance of them to the slave trade was lost. The content needs stripping down to main points as it was considerably long. More human stories about ordinary Bristolians would have been welcome. It is also worth mentioning that the walking tour in its entirety had four stops. We stayed at the first stop for a nearly an hour.
Rob gave our group of six adults an excellent history lesson and insight into Bristol's (and Bath) involvement in the Atlantic Slave Trade. There were certainly many things that we... read more had never considered before and gives thought to our own involvement in the modern slave economy. A very worthwhile couple of hours to learn about a history largely ignored.
What a fantastic way to be introduced to Bristol! Susan is knowledgeable, kind and fun. We got to learn about the history of the city, recent developments, notorious figures, the... read more slave trade, and so much more. Would recommend wearing comfy shoes as it's not a quick tour, but definitely worth it!
Rob took myself and my colleagues as a private group on his Bristol Slave Trade Walk and we all found it both thought provoking and incredibly interesting. Rob’s knowledge of... read more the transatlantic slave economy, in particular on key dates throughout history and around Colston’s role, was phenomenal. The walk was so thoroughly researched and well informed it provided a really insightful tour allowing us to learn so much about a huge part of Bristol’s history that is so important to understand. Rob also provided us a great deal of useful resources to continue our education, which was hugely appreciated. I’d highly recommend Rob to anyone living in, or visiting, Bristol.
I attended both the Bristol Slave Trade Walk and the Bath's Slave Economy in the 18th century Walk.
Rob has a phenomenal recall remembering names dates places and people. Quite... read more a feat. The Bristol walk was more of a talk and walk which was so engaging we ran over considerably. So much untold history to discuss which is coming to light in Bristol not withstanding because of the world watching the removal of Colston's statue. Rob handles this subject sensitively and I love that he acknowledges that the enslaved Africans we just that "enslaved" not "slaves" which is a dehumanizing term.
Rob provides an academic overview of Bristol's history which many are still unaware of so I found it very enlightening. On to Bath, Rob exceeded himself with this walk. A full blown tour of Bath's historical buildings, people, the baths themselves and more. The tour was excellent and we could have gone on for much longer...we were so engaged in what Rob had to share. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
I was a little skeptical on the academic approach to the UK and Transatlantic Slavery history, but I was blown away by the depth of knowledge and conscientious approach Rob... read more and his community has out in to their research and delivery.
A very thought provoking walk through history which defiantly made me ponder on the relationship between commerce, class and morality in the UK both of the past and today.
Bath is a beautiful city filled with friendly and creative people of all walks of life. A great day out!
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