Boasting some 5,000 years of human settlement the Gloucestershire town of Stroud is a fascinating place to visit. First settled by peoples of the Neolithic period, who practised agriculture in the areas around Stroud, and an ancient barrow (Hetty Pegler’s Tump) gives evidence of their time here, and dates from around 2,800 BC. Two of the finest ancient burial grounds in the region, Uley Bury and Nympsfield are also close by. Much later during the Industrial Revolution, Stroud became important for cloth production, and its perfect location for the powering of water mills, was a significant factor in this. Rainy weather brought a deluge of water from the Fibe Valleys, which meet at Stroud, and this power was well utilised in the production of woollen cloth for which the area became well known. Only 2 woollen cloth mills remain from 150 which once stood here, a sign of the ever decreasing industrial production of both Stroud and England in general. Among places to visit in Stroud are the Bank Gardens, the Church of St Lawrence, the Cornhill Market Place, Sim’s Clock and the Museum in the Park. Stroud is situated south of Gloucester and Cheltenham and is around eighty five miles from London.
September 9, 2010
Tewkesbury Gloucestershire
The Gloucestershire town of Tewkesbury stands at the confluence of the River Avon and the River Severn, a fact which has resulted in many floods in the town over the centuries, during rainy weather. A charming old world town, Tewkesbury still has many fine old timbered buildings in the town centre, with picturesque old inns and houses to look at, two of the finest and best known of these houses are known as the Ancient Grudge and the Golden Key, both located in the High Street and worth a look if you are visiting. Tewkesbury has a magnificent Norman Abbey Church which was consecrated in the early 12th century. Tewkesbury is located to the north of Cheltenham and is around eighty seven miles from London.
September 8, 2010
Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Starting life as a typical Cotswolds village, Cheltenham was transformed into a bustling town after the discovery of a mineral spa in 1715. A pump room to utilise the spring was built in 1738 and immediate approval given by George III, resulting in the town developing at a rapid rate, with some first class architects working on the varied building projects. Cheltenham became prosperous and in turn attracted the rich and educated to the town. Cheltenham still has a Regency feel and much of that architecture still exists today giving the town a grand look indeed. Of course this Gloucestershire town is also very famous for its Steeplechase meeting the Cheltenham Festival which takes place in March, again attracting the very best of what horse racing has to offer. When the weather is pleasant this is a great event to attend, and indeed thousands do attend, being especially attractive to the Irish racing fraternity.
Gloucester in Gloucestershire
Originally a Roman fortified city guarding the routes into nearby Wales, when it was known as Colonia Glevum, Gloucester, now the county town of Gloucestershire, was later a market town receiving its first charter from King Henry II in 1155. Its early cathedral built in the Norman to Perpendicular style, has the tomb of the murdered King Edward II, and an interesting 14th century stained glass window in the east wing. Still boasting many medieval and Tudor half-timbered buildings, Gloucester is a fascinating place to visit at any time of year. The timbered Parliament House, dates from the 15th century, other places of interest to visit include the City Museum, in Brunswick Place, ideal for spending an hour or two when the weather is inclement, and the cross of the martyred Bishop Hooper in The Close. Gloucester has a population of 123,205 and is located thirty two miles from Bristol. Gloucester Map.
September 2, 2010
Budleigh Salterton Devon
Located between the towns of Exmouth and Sidmouth in the north of Devon, the small town of Budleigh Salterton has a population of just under 5,000 and sits at the mouth of the Otter river, in an area of great natural beauty. The estuary around Budleigh Salterton is a significant area for migratory birds and attracts many “twitchers” to this tranquil residential town. The town does attract some holidaymakers, as it has a decent beach, and the surrounding coastline is popular with walkers and hikers as well as fossil hunters who are attracted to the Jurassic World Heritage Site. When the weather is fine, it welcomes many day trippers from nearby Exeter and other surrounding towns, though for most of the year it is a peaceful place. Nearby towns include Seaton, Sidmouth, Ottery St Mary and Exeter