Gloucester

Gloucester is a cathedral city in the county of Gloucestershire, England, and the county town of Gloucestershire. It lies on the River Severn, southeast of the Cotswolds. Its site has Roman origins as the fort of Glevum, founded around AD 97, and later developed as a medieval market town and ecclesiastical center.

Gloucester Cathedral is the city's principal heritage site, notable for its Romanesque nave and Gothic choir, and for the tomb of King Edward II sealed in the 14th century within the cloisters. The historic center also contains a range of medieval and Georgian streets, a city museum and art gallery, and several churches.

The Gloucester Docks, opened in the 19th century, formed the heart of the port and are now a marina and heritage area. The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal connects the docks to the Severn estuary, facilitating historic trade and current leisure boating. The city provides railway and road links, with Gloucester railway station on the Great Western Main Line and access to the M5 motorway.

In governance and education, Gloucester is administered by Gloucester City Council. The University of Gloucestershire operates a campus in the city, and Gloucestershire College provides further education. The local economy combines public administration, education, retail, logistics, and tourism, anchored by the cathedral, docks, and riverfront.

Cultural and sporting institutions include the City Museum & Art Gallery, the Guildhall, and local clubs such as Gloucester Rugby Club and Gloucester City A.F.C. The city’s historic role and river setting continue to shape its identity and development.