1870

The Club was founded and named after 'Ariel', the barge where the club was first based.  The barge was moored near Bristol Bridge, and was surrounded by aromas from the St. George’s brewery and the less than pleasant odours of the docks.

The boats have always been named after characters from Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’, in which Ariel was an imprisoned spirit released by Prospero to stir up the storm at the beginning of the play.

1871 

The sliding seat was introduced.  Until then rowing equipment was somewhat primitive and rowers had to wear tight linen shorts to slide on a greased surface with each stroke.

1900 

Bristol Ariel moved to St. Anne’s where the current clubhouse was built.

1914 

The outbreak of war meant that many rowers were drafted into the services.  Sadly, 13 members died during World War I.  The club closed during this period and reopened in 1919.

1921

Pupils of Clifton College began to row at Ariel as part of their extra-curricular activities. 

1926

Ladies were allowed to join the club for the first time but only as tennis members. Before that they were restricted to making the tea and participating in the egg and spoon races at the yearly ladies’ days.

1940 

On December 6th two bombs had a devastating effect on the club buildings and nearby Pumphouse.  A third bomb ricocheted off the railway tunnel and hit the 4.52pm Salisbury to Temple Meads passenger train, with a great loss of life. With so few active members remaining, the clubhouse fell into disrepair and boats lay abandoned until after the war.

1945

After the war, the club gradually began to revive and grow again.

1981

Bristol Ariel takes part in the first sporting exchange with RV Linden rowing club from twin city, Hannover.