Prominent landmarks and the unique history of Gloucester have been compiled in a new book by a Dursley historian.
Author D.G. Amphlett has written a book with details about the fascinating buildings and monuments many Gloucester residents pass on a daily basis without a second look.
Gloucester - History You Can See documents the long and rich heritage which can be seen in the architecture all over the city from distinctive landmarks such as Gloucester Cathedral, built in AD 679, to the East Gate Market Portico, which built in 1855.
The author also reveals the areas that have connections with the brilliant people of Gloucester including Hubert Cecil Booth, the inventor of the vacuum cleaner and poet Ivor Gurney.
It is Mr Amplett's second book about the area, having written a guide to facts and figures of our city, titled Not a Guide to Gloucester, in 2012.
He said: "Gloucester is a very interesting city and has lots of religious history and monuments which are still here. There's also the cathedral and the industrial side to the city.
"There's lots of different things to write about. I've enjoyed finding out about the lives of people living in Gloucester at different times. For example it was really interesting finding that the candle in the centre of the Docks is for Ivor Gurney."
Gloucester - History You Can See covers the arrival of the Romans and the establishment of Glevum, features of the city in medieval, Tudor and Stuart times and how Gloucester evolved throughout the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries.
The book will be released with publishers The History Press in the coming weeks. It will be available in major book stores and online.
Mr Amplett has studied the history of the West Country for many years and has an MA in history.
He said: "I hope people who read the book will discover something about Gloucester they didn't realise before. Hopefully when they look at something in Gloucester they will know something more about the history behind it."
HISTORY YOU CAN SEE
The New Inn
The New Inn, Northgate Street, is a fine example of a medieval coaching inn. It was built in about 1450 to accommodate the many pilgrims to St Peter's Abbey visiting the shrine of Edward II. Traditionally, the building of the New Inn has been ascribed to a monk: John de Twyning.
The King's Board
In Hillfield Gardens, London Road, although it originally stood in the middle of Westgate Street. It was given to Gloucester by Richard II (1367–99). One theory is its original function was a a preaching cross for use by friars. By 1580, it was in use as a butter market.
St Bartholomew's Hospital
Stands in the centre of the busy Westgate Island traffic system.
William Myparty built a house to accommodate the labourers constructing St Mary Magdalene's Hospital. Following completion, he gave the building as a hospital for the sick and dying.
St Oswald's Priory
The surviving ruins of the Saxon minster principally consist of a long north wall. It is pierced by a Norman arcade, dating from the mid-12th Century, which was inserted when the church was enlarged to include a north aisle.
St Michael's Tower
Standing at The Cross, it's believed to have been constructed between 1460–70 and is all left of a medieval church that once stretched a further 80ft east. The church was demolished in 1955 after being shut in 1940.
