Historic England: Gloucester

This illustrated history portrays one of England’s finest cities. It provides a nostalgic look at Gloucester’s past and highlights the special character of some of its most important historic sites.


The photographs are taken from the Historic England Archive, a unique collection of over 12 million photographs, drawings, plans and documents covering England’s archaeology, architecture, social and local history. Pictures date from the earliest days of photography to the present and cover subjects from Bronze Age burials and medieval churches to cinemas and seaside resorts.


Gloucester’s history stretches back to the Romans and the foundation of St Peter’s Abbey by the Anglo-Saxons. In the Middle Ages Gloucester played an important role in the country, becoming a wealthy borough and a centre of royal power. As a port on the River Severn it benefited from the wool trade as well as other industries, and this wealth continued in later centuries. Today the city is a fascinating mixture of old and new, with its imposing cathedral - one of the homes of the Three Choirs Festival - redeveloped Docklands area, and numerous historical buildings from various centuries found alongside striking modern structures. This book will help you to discover its remarkable history.