Visiting The City Of Gloucester
February 7, 2010 by Trevor Johnson
Filed under Destinations
Gloucester is a city near the Welsh border that is located on the Severn River. It was founded by the Romans in 48 AD. Many Roman coins have been found as well as some remnants of a wall. After the Romans left the Saxons took over control of the area in 577. The city was on a river and an abbey was constructed in 681. The street layouts of the core can be traced back to the end of the Saxons reign.
One of the most notable buildings in the city is the cathedral which was built on the foundations of the original abbey. While most of the cathedral was built in the Norman style though several of the additions were made using gothic architecture.
You can view many houses form the Tudor and medieval times. The only surviving public building is the New Inn found on Northgate Street, Thus is a timbered house that have courtyards and massive external galleries. Many of the half timbered and gabled houses are from the Tudor period.
There are many houses from medieval times and the Tudor period as they can be distinguished by the many gables and use of timber. Many of the main public buildings have since been demolished but the New Inn can still be visited on Northgate Street. This in has extensive external galleries as well as several courtyards.
Gloucester is fairly easy to reach as it is right on one of the main motorways as well as be in on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. While very large ships cannot travel the canal, coasters and other small craft can use the canal. This spot was very important for travelers as it is at the low point of the river. So if you were traveling from South Wales to London, or vice versa, you would pass through Gloucester.
The aerospace industry is quite large in Gloucester and has been present for at least 100 years. One of the main companies was Gloster Aircraft Company which has airfields and headquarters in the area. The first turbojet engine in a jet was flown outside of the city. You can view several pieces of artwork, sculptures and monuments to the aerospace industry throughout town.
There are several festivals in which you can enjoy as every three years there is the Three Choirs Festival. This festival is the oldest musical festival still going on in Europe. The tall ships have come into Gloucester several times with the latest being in 2010. Each year in August there is also an International Rhythm and Blues festival that brings in a great selection of performers.
To find a hotel in Gloucester just click here.