Celebrating Gloucester

A celebration of Gloucester’s rich heritage and identity – its special events, achievements, people, industry and landmarks.

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Gloucester’s history stretches back almost 2,000 years to its foundation by the Romans. This city has had royal connections throughout, from the Saxon warrior queen Aethelflaed to being the burial site of King Edward II in the cathedral but has also been associated with important names in manufacturing and industry, including the Gloster Aircraft Company and the Gloucester Railway Carriage & Wagon Company, Moreland’s matches and Wall’s ice cream. The importance of Gloucester’s port in its history can also be seen today in its docks and quays. The city was besieged during the English Civil War but held out against the King’s much larger army. It also has proud military connections with the Gloucestershire Regiment. Famous names associated with Gloucester include the eighteenth-century philanthropist Robert Raikes, the banker and miser Jemmy Wood and the Victorian poet W. E. Henley, as well as legendary or folk tale figures such as King Lucius, Humpty Dumpty and Doctor Foster.

Celebrating Gloucester chronicles the proud heritage of the city, its important moments and what draws so many to this dynamic place today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Gloucester’s rich heritage, its special events and important moments. Celebrating Gloucester will be a valuable contribution to the history of the city and will provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.