A-Z of Gloucester: Places-People-History

by RogerSmith (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2019

  $22.37

  Gloucester was one of Roman Britain's most important cities. Before the M4 and M5 motorways were built it was known as the crossroads of England. The city's street layout is much the same as planned by Queen AEtheflaed, daughter of Alfred the Great. Behind modern shop fronts there is still much to be seen of its heritage including the finest medieval merchant's house in the UK and a fifteenth-century coaching inn that was the country's largest when it was built. The city's cathedral is one of the finest in Britain, the place where King William I decreed that the Domesday Book should be produced, where King Edward II is buried and where King Henry III was crowned. The historic docks were once the most inland port in the country, and many of the old buildings remain and tall ships can often be seen there. `A-Z of Gloucester' offers an engaging portrait of the city and takes readers on a fascinating tour highlighting the people, places and events that have played their part in its history. Sons of the city include: Robert Raikes, a founder of the Sunday School movement; George Whitefield, one of the founders of Methodism; and James `Jemmy' Wood who was once described as the richest commoner in England. The author also focuses on the city's historic streets and buildings, its ancient sites and its famous rugby ground. Then there is the delightful story of the literary inspiration that Gloucester provided to one of Britain's best-known children's authors, Beatrix Potter.