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 Gloucester, its
important moments and what draws so many to this dynamic city 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 provide a source of
many memories to those who have known it well over the years.
