 | | Gloucester Docks |
From the footbridge, cross the road and follow the building in front of you around to your left. Pass through the white gates on your right. You should now get your first glimpse of Gloucester Docks and, just on your left, a lock which enables boats to rise up to the docks from the River Severn. The water level in the docks is about four or five metres higher than the River Severn which is why a lock is required to elevate boats to the correct level. From the Docks the boats can access a 16 mile ship canal to Sharpness Docks and the sea beyond. Head towards the front of the lock where you can use a footbridge over one of the lock gates to get to the other side. Gloucester was given the status of a port by Queen Elizabeth I in 1580 which raised the status of the city immensely. The tall buildings around the docks were added later and handled many different cargoes from around the world but today they're the council offices, private apartments and restaurants. The dock itself is another example of how mankind's resourcefulness managed to harness a natural element like water for a practical, beneficial use.  | | One of Gloucester's noisy inhabitants |
You'll also see, or rather hear, the plentiful seagulls. Gulls have received a bad press because they've adapted well to life in cities and have quickly become a nuisance because of their droppings as well as occasional attacks on people. These birds are most likely Herring Gulls and they can be distinguished by their noisy, squealing calls. Walk past the old crane and take the first left after the dock building on your left. Pass through the main dock gates and head right. Use the crossing and head over to the other side of the road. The large building on your left is Gloucester Prison. A prison has existed on this site since the late 18th Century. Head right up Commercial Road, following it around to the left. You'll pass the abandoned Black Swan Hotel which offers more examples of sedimentary rock - rock like the Oolitic limestone. Just beyond the hotel you'll head into Southgate Street, and bear left. On your right you'll see the Church of St Mary-de-Crypt. This church has been described as “A Cathedral in Miniature” because its large Choir is taller and longer than the nave. The presence of a church on this site dates to the Domesday Book back in 1085. If you continue along Southgate Street you'll reach The Cross and the end of the walk. Hope you enjoyed it! ...Visit our feedback page to leave your comments on the walk, send in pictures or if you want to add another snippet of information to these pages. BBC Gloucestershire would like to thank the following people and organisations for their assistance with The Gloucester Trail walk: Alan McKay for the presentation work on the videos
Tony Kinder for the special wildlife photography
Malcolm Watkins from Gloucester City Council
Gloucester City Museum
Chris Wilson from the Open University
Rachel Jones, Nina Reeves and Mike Brooks from The University of Gloucestershire
Claire Reid from the Gloucestershire Geological Trust
Alan Drewett from Gloucester Tourist Information
Gloucester Cathedral |
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