Avon Randolph Barksdale, portrayed by Wood Harris, is a pivotal character in the American TV series The Wire. He is the formidable head of the Barksdale Organization, a prominent drug-dealing enterprise in Baltimore, Maryland. Barksdale, known for his astuteness and shrewdness, is supported by his second-in-command, Stringer Bell, and a network of drug dealers and enforcers. The character is partly inspired by a real-life gang leader from West Baltimore, and he serves as the primary antagonist in the show's first season.Throughout the series, Barksdale's criminal organization operates with strict rules and elaborate measures to evade law enforcement, including a ban on cell phones and encoded pager messages. The organization's drug supply is secured from a Dominican connection and processed in a discreet location before distribution in Barksdale's territory.Season 1 sees Barksdale navigating various challenges, such as internal betrayals, police raids, and confrontations with rival drug dealers like Omar Little. His criminal activities eventually lead to his arrest and a seven-year prison sentence for possession with intent to distribute.Despite his imprisonment, Barksdale's influence continues to reverberate in the organization during season 2 and beyond. His character embodies the complexities of power, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of dominance within the criminal underworld.Avon Randolph Barksdale remains a compelling and iconic figure within The Wire, leaving an indelible mark on the acclaimed television series.

Avon was a non-metropolitan and ceremonial county in the west of England from 1974 to 1996. Named after the River Avon, it was comprised of the county boroughs of Bristol and Bath, along with parts of Gloucestershire and Somerset. The county had a population of approximately 1.08 million people in 2009. The port of Bristol, near the River Avon, historically marked the boundary between Gloucestershire and Somerset. The area's status as a county was formalized in 1373, and efforts to create a county of Greater Bristol were ongoing, culminating in the establishment of Avon in 1974. The county was divided into six districts, including Bristol, Bath, Kingswood, Mangotsfield, Warmley, Northavon, Woodspring, and Wansdyke. In 1996, the county was abolished, and the area was split between four new unitary authorities. Despite its dissolution, the Avon name continues to be used for certain purposes.

Avon and Somerset Police is the territorial police force responsible for law enforcement in the five unitary authority areas of Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Somerset, and South Gloucestershire, all in South West England, serving 1.72 million people over an area of 1,847 square miles. The force had 2,965 police officers, 299 special constables, and 330 police community support officers as of September 2020. The police area covered by Avon & Somerset Police today can trace its policing heritage back to the Municipal Corporations Act 1835, which created municipal boroughs across England and Wales, each with the power to create a borough police force. The force's history includes the creation of various borough police forces and county forces to police areas outside of the boroughs. The Avon & Somerset Constabulary was formed in 1974 through the merger of Somerset and Bath Constabulary, Bristol Constabulary, and the southern part of Gloucestershire Constabulary. In 2014, the force announced plans to close 12 local police stations to reduce its budget. The force has also been involved in proposed mergers with other police forces in the UK, aiming to save money.

The Avon Gorge, located in Bristol, England, is a 1.5-mile long limestone gorge that has served as a defensive gateway to the city due to its strategic location. The gorge is a significant geological formation, cutting through a ridge mainly composed of limestone and some sandstone, formed in shallow tropical seas around 350 million years ago. The Clifton Suspension Bridge, an iconic landmark of Bristol, spans the gorge and offers breathtaking views. The area's rich geology and ecology have made it a habitat for rare flora and fauna, including unique plant species and peregrine falcons. The Avon Gorge and surrounding woodland have been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, highlighting its ecological significance. The management of the gorge involves balancing the preservation of its ecology with recreational activities such as rock climbing. The area's unique features and natural beauty make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and visitors exploring Bristol's diverse landscape.

The Avon Valley Railway (AVR) is a standard gauge heritage railway located in South Gloucestershire, England. Operated by the Avon Valley Railway Company Ltd., the 3-mile (5 km) heritage line runs from Oldland Common to Avon Riverside, following the Avon Valley and the River Avon. The railway shares its route with the Sustrans cycleway and footpath, the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, making it a picturesque and historic journey for visitors.The railway has a rich commercial history, being part of the Midland Railway Mangotsfield and Bath branch line, which was closed in 1966 due to the Beeching cuts. The AVR is known for connecting the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway with the London, Midland and Scottish Railway, providing vital transportation links for travelers from the British industrial Midlands to the south coast. Today, the AVR operates as a heritage railway, attracting around 80,000 visitors annually.The AVR offers round-trip steam train travel, providing an immersive experience for tourists and history enthusiasts. The line is open to travelers on most weekends, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful Avon Valley countryside. With its rich history and scenic route, the Avon Valley Railway continues to be a popular tourist attraction, preserving the heritage and nostalgia of steam train travel for generations to come.