The arrival of our visitors from NYC (via Andalucia) gives us the excuse to do some exploring. We need to deliver them to a sheep farm on the Welsh Borders so decide to break the journey at Gloucester. We were last here for an ordination some years ago and in the more distant past I would travel fortnightly for seminars. Today is damp and mild, not too bad for wandering.
The docks area has been transformed, tastefully it has to be said, into Gloucester Quays Outlet. But Malls were not on our US visitors' agenda! The Quays are part of the city’s historic docks area which can trace its roots back to the 19th century. It was once the hub of the UK’s most inland shipping port, on the River Severn. Today pleasure boats have replaced the ships and barges and the docks are a 'visitor attraction'. Apart from shopping it seems they have outdoor theatre and weekend food markets. There is also a Waterways Museum and the Regiments of Gloucestershire Museum.
The Victorian Warehouses behind have been restored as residential property.
We have a wander into town and happen across the lovely Saint Mary de Crypt Church, which, sadly, is closed.
The church was first recorded in 1140, and includes a number of surviving Norman features. It was rebuilt and extended in the late 14th century, incorporating some of the 12th and 13th century work, and further work was carried out in the 15th and 16th centuries.
In 1643, during the Siege of Gloucester in the First English Civil War, the church was used as an ammunition factory and store. The founder of Methodism, George Whitefield, gave his first sermon here in 1736.
T of N is interested in this shop as it bears my maiden name, but I feel sure I have no Gloucestershire connections.
Next stop is the cathedral. I am sure this will impress them!
There has been a place of worship here since Saxon times. This building was begun in 1089. Prior to the dastardly work of Henry VIII and Thomas Moore, the cathedral was a monastry. Thus it is one of the few surviving abbeys. It was saved because Edward II is buried here.
By now we deserve refreshment and head for Tank.
Tank opened in May this year on the original site of the Gloucester Brewery, which had been in existence for four years. The pub offers a wide range of craft beers and real ales including those from Gloucester Brewery and from it's own nano brewery.
The welcome we receive is second to none.
We need to be home before dark, so after a very tasty sandwich lunch and Gloucester Gold for the non drivers, we drag ourselves away.
No comments:
Post a Comment