Gloucestershire

About Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire coat of arms

Gloucestershire coat of arms

Gloucestershire is a county in south west England. The county comprises part of the Forest of Dean, the Cotswold Hills and part of the flat fertile valley of the River Severn. Bordering Gloucestershire is Herefordshire, Somerset, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire and the Welsh border. The county town is served by the city of Gloucester as its county town with other principal towns including Cirencester, Stroud, Tewkesbury and Cheltenham. Gloucestershire once included Bristol but since 1996, after the abolition of Avon, the region to the north of Bristol became the unitary authority of South Gloucestershire which forms a part of the ceremonial county of Gloucestershire.

Gloucestershire county provides a varied heritage of wool, cloth, forestry and coal mines. It is also the county first thought of when ‘The Cotswolds’ are mentioned. Historic properties include Gloucester’s cathedral, Berkeley Castle, Broadway Tower, Chastleton House and the Pittville Pumprooms making Gloucestershire a rich area for tourism. The Cheltenham Racecourse is within the county boundaries and provides the venue for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, with the annual pilgramage of race goers enhancing the economy.

In July 2007, Gloucestershire suffered the worst flooding in recorded British history and the RAF rescued 120 residents from flooded areas making it the largest peace time domestic operation in the history of the RAF. Damage was estimated at over £2 billion but the county invested heavily ensuring a fast recovery which now attracts tourists with its diverse range of historical sites and shops.

Facts

Gloucestershire county flag

Gloucestershire county flag

  • Population – 840,200 (2008)
  • County Town and Administrative HQ -Gloucester
  • Governing Authority – Gloucestershire County Council
  • Regional Planning Body – South West Strategic Leaders’ Board
  • Major Industries – Agriculture (Sheep, Dairy and Arable Crops); Tourism; Manufacturing (Aircraft, Engineering, Paper, Tobacco Products)
  • Police – Gloucestershire Constabulary
  • Fire – Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service
  • Ambulance – Great Western Ambulance Service

Discover Gloucestershire – useful links to guides, what’s on and places to see

 

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