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Every September, volunteers across England organise Heritage Open Days to celebrate the fantastic history and culture of our country. This gives you the chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore. Gloucester is full of fascinating heritage, so here's a list of ten places you can explore over the HOD weekend 10th – 13th September 2021!
1. Sula Lightship
Constructed in 1958 Sula Lightship was in service off the Humber Estuary until 1985. Now in Gloucester Harbour as a Bed and Breakfast the historic vessel is the UK's only stay - aboard lightship.
2. The Fleece Hotel Undercroft
The Fleece Hotel on Westgate Street is a timber framed building dating from the 15th century. The building is part grade I and part grade II listed with Historic England.The 12th century vaulted undercroft was a much loved bar called the ‘Monk’s Retreat’.
3. Eastgate Viewing Chamber
This underground chamber reveals the remains of defences and the Eastgate of the city dating back to Gloucester's foundings as a Roman fortress in around AD 68. The site includes Roman remains of the original Roman and Medieval walls and Eastgate gatehouse, the base of a 13th century tower and the Tudor 'horse-pool' where wagons and livestock were washed before market.
4. Llanthony Secunda Priory
The recently restored listed buildings of the former Augustine Priory were founded in 1136 by Miles de Gloucester, 1st Earl of Hereford. The Priory was used as as a retreat for the monks of Llanthony Priory, Vale of Ewyas, in what is now Monmouthshire, Wales, from persistent attacks by the local population. By the 16th Century it had become an independent priory in its own right and had become one of the largest Augustian houses in England, owning 97 churches and 51 well appointed manors.
5. St Mary de Crypt
The medieval church, remodelled in the 1400s, has been called 'a cathedral in miniature'. You'll find the remains of a wall painting and fine Victorian stained glass. During the Civil War it acted as a munitions store; you can still see the pock mark from a Royalist cannonball. The church of many Gloucester notables including, George Whitefield, Robert Raikes and Sir Thomas Bell
6. St Nicholas
Formerly one of Gloucester’s most prosperous parish churches many of its wonderful monuments and memorial slabs commemorate significant citizens, some showing figures in glorious Stuart costume. The beautiful Medieval church includes Walton tomb, leaning tower, sanctuary knocker, squints and coat of arms.
7. St Michael’s Tower
The impressive St Michael’s Tower is situated in the centre of Gloucester at The Cross. It is a Heritage Centre operated by Gloucester Civic Trust Volunteers. The Tower is the surviving 15th century tower of the Church of St Michael the Archangel. It stands on the highest point of the city and has been a focal point in the centre of the city for over 500 years.
8. Historic Docks
Britain’s most inland port, Gloucester's Historic Docks are full of restored warehouses, visit the National Waterways Museum to find out what life near the water was like many years ago.
9. Gloucester Cathedral
Formerly the Benedictine Abbey of St Peter founded in 11th Century, resting place of King Edward II and home to Great East window- Gloucester Catherdral is a notable feature of the City Centre.
This year, Gloucester Cathedral invite you to view the Stonemasons' Workshop and Parliment Rooms as well as a display of highlights from their Medieval Library.
10. Jet Age Museum
The collection at The Jet Age Museum preserves Gloucesterhire’s contribution to world aviation. This includes a 1930’s Gloster Gladiator and a replica of the first jet powered aircraft the GLoster E28/39 which first left the ground at nearby Brockworth airfield.
We'd love to see what you dicovered in Gloucester on Heritage Open Days 2021! Don't forget to tag us on social media @VisitGloucester and use our hashtag #visitgloucester to show us what you got up to in the City.
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