Gloucester, the capital of the county from which it derives its name, gives his title to the Duke of Gloucester. It is situated in a beautiful valley on the bank of the Severn, and is sheltered on the east by a range of hills. The city is intersected by four principal streets which meet in the centre. They are broad, clean, well-paved, and lighted. The principal building is the cathedral, begun in 1047, and enlarged at subsequent periods. It is 420 feet in length, 144 feet in breadth, and surmounted by a tower 129 feet in height. The interior is impressive, the stalls are said to be scarcely inferior to those at Windsor ; the choir is richly ornamented, and there is a whispering gallery. The eastern window is the largest in England. The Cathedral is adorned by several monuments, of which those of Robert Duke of Normandy, Edward II., Bishop Warburton, and Dr Jenner, chiefly claim attention. The bishopric was first constituted by Henry VIII., and the Bishop takes his seat in Parliament under the title of Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol. There are five other parochial churches, several meeting-houses, a gaol, constructed on the plan of Howard, a town-hall, custom-house, assembly rooms, theatre, &c. The new bridge over the Severn is a handsome structure, 87 feet span. The principal trade of Gloucester consists in the manufacture of pins, iron, flax, and hemp. A considerable inland trade is carried on with the counties through which the Severn flows. There is also a small quantity of wine, spirits, and West Indian produce imported. The river admits sloops and brigs up to the city, but for larger vessels, a canal has been recently formed with depth of water sufficient for vessels of 500 tons burden. For municipal purposes, the city is divided into three wards, and is governed by a mayor, six aldermen, and seventeen councillors. It returns two members to Parliament. Two newspapers are published here. Gloucester is the birth-place of John Taylor, the water poet, George Whitfield, the famous Methodist, and R. Raikes, the founder of Sunday schools. In the neighbourhood of Gloucester there is a spa with good accommodation. Markets are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and the supply is abundant. Population in 1841, 14,152. About 3 miles beyond Gloucester is Highnam Court, the seat of Sir J. W. Guise, erected from a design by Inigo Jones. Its Cheltenham is situated on the River Chelt, which flows into the Severn. situation is healthy and picturesque, and it is sheltered on the north by the Cotswold hills. It owes its celebrity to its mineral waters, which were first discovered in 1716. The waters are cathartic and chalybeate, resembling those of Harrowgate. Every accommodation has been provided for those who use them. The well walk is a magnificent promenade, shaded by ancient elms. St Mary's Church is a large elegant building in the form of a cross with a lofty octagonal spire. It contains a curious font, and near it is an ancient stone cross. Besides this there are Trinity Church, a handsome new church, and a few places of worship for Dissenters. There are also some charitable establishments, assembly rooms, good hotels, billiard rooms, and a theatre. Cheltenham is a borough, and sends one member to Parliament. The markets are well supplied. The population of the borough and parish in 1841 was 31,411. Two miles distant is Southnam House, an elegant mansion, said to have been erected in the time of Henry VIII. XLV. BIRMINGHAM AND GLOUCESTER RAILWAY, 52} Miles |