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
September 8, 2010
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.