It's time I write a proper entry in this blog and today's travel adventure is in an oldie town called Gloucester (a Roman/Celtic town meaning "glowing castle"). For those of you who would like to say it like the locals do, it's pronounced 'GLAH-sta'. Bearing in mind that I am a halfing- an American Briton- so I may still have my ears on wrong when it comes the Olde English pronunciation. The town was named after a Roman Emperor in 90A.D.
Gloucester was abandoned and left to ruin by King Henry VIII in the 16th century, but that didn't stop the building of a cathedral where his predecessor Edward II is buried (it was an Abbey then).
There are several sights to see here in Gloucester. The Gloucester Cathedral is just one of those (I know you're all pronouncing it correctly by now). The cathedral itself was built in 1089 A.D. and continues to hold worship to this very day! In fact on the day of my visit, the choir was practicing which makes for lovely background music whilst touring the cathedral for, ...FREE. That's right at no cost to you, you can tour this brilliant architectural structure. Inside you'll discover a crypt and many famous people buried there. Even a chap from the US! He wrote the music to America's national anthem.
If churches aren't your thing, there is still lots to do at Gloucester. You might find yourself touring one of the many museums (Soldier, Beatrix Potter, Arts) or have a wander down to the Quays. The Quays (pronounced "keys"- this is new to me also. I have to get out more), are home to the shopping outlets. Who doesn't love to shop??
If this isn't your "cup of tea", have yourself a pint and go sit out by the Docks watching the boats come in. This time of the year people flood the streets for the Victorian Christmas Market and sell everything from soaps to mead dressed in Victorian clothes. So get out there and have yourself a good time! If there's time, hop on the Merry-go-round before you go!
Gloucester was abandoned and left to ruin by King Henry VIII in the 16th century, but that didn't stop the building of a cathedral where his predecessor Edward II is buried (it was an Abbey then).
There are several sights to see here in Gloucester. The Gloucester Cathedral is just one of those (I know you're all pronouncing it correctly by now). The cathedral itself was built in 1089 A.D. and continues to hold worship to this very day! In fact on the day of my visit, the choir was practicing which makes for lovely background music whilst touring the cathedral for, ...FREE. That's right at no cost to you, you can tour this brilliant architectural structure. Inside you'll discover a crypt and many famous people buried there. Even a chap from the US! He wrote the music to America's national anthem.
If churches aren't your thing, there is still lots to do at Gloucester. You might find yourself touring one of the many museums (Soldier, Beatrix Potter, Arts) or have a wander down to the Quays. The Quays (pronounced "keys"- this is new to me also. I have to get out more), are home to the shopping outlets. Who doesn't love to shop??
