town, unitary authority of South Gloucestershire, historic county of Gloucestershire, England, situated directly east of the city of Bristol. Kingswood was closely associated with the 18th-century Methodist leaders George Whitefield and John Wesley. The town of Kingswood was formerly a dormitory community for colliers employed on the Somerset coalfield. Its industry includes printing, light engineering, and the manufacture of brushes. Pop. (2001) 62,679.