Visit Gloucestershire, the guide for residents and visitors

Where to advertise Gloucestershire events?

A great way to promote your Gloucestershire event is through Visit Gloucestershire.

The Visit Gloucestershire website has a Gloucestershire Events page which promotes local events in Gloucestershire. And you can list your Gloucestershire event FREE OF CHARGE!

Visit Gloucestershire allows you to reach a wide audience of visitors and locals interested in Gloucestershire's happenings through our website and Social Media.

Permalink: Where to advertise Gloucestershire events?

How do I get to Minchinhampton?

Minchinhampton is located just off the A419, about 4 miles from Stroud. The nearest train station is in Stroud, where you can catch a bus or take a taxi to Minchinhampton.

Permalink: How do I get to Minchinhampton?

How old is Gloucester Cathedral?

Gloucester Cathedral has over 1,300 years of history. It began as a Saxon abbey founded in AD 678, and was rebuilt after the Norman Conquest in the late 11th century. The cathedral we see today was primarily constructed between the 11th and 15th centuries, showcasing an evolution of architectural styles including Norman, Gothic, and Perpendicular.

The cathedral houses royal tombs, medieval stained glass, and was the coronation site of Henry III. Its magnificent cloisters are considered among the finest in Europe and are a popular attraction, especially for fans of the Harry Potter films.

Permalink: How old is Gloucester Cathedral?

Why are the stained glass windows in Fairford so important?

The stained glass windows in the Church of St Mary are regarded as one of the greatest treasures of medieval England. Created in the late fifteenth century, they depict a wide range of biblical scenes, saints and religious symbolism in remarkable detail. Their artistic quality alone would make them significant, but their survival is what truly makes them exceptional.

During the Reformation and later periods of religious change, countless stained glass windows were removed or destroyed throughout England. Fairford's collection survived largely intact, providing historians and visitors with a rare glimpse into medieval religious art and craftsmanship. The windows are studied by academics, admired by architects and enjoyed by tourists who visit the town specifically to see this extraordinary collection. They remain one of the most important examples of medieval stained glass anywhere in the country.

Permalink: Why are the stained glass windows in Fairford so important?

What is unusual about Fairford's medieval wealth?

One of the most interesting aspects of Fairford's history is the way its medieval prosperity continues to be visible today. Much of the town's wealth came from the wool trade, which flourished throughout the Cotswolds during the fifteenth century. Wealthy merchants were able to invest in impressive buildings and public projects that transformed the appearance of the town.

Among the most notable figures was John Tame, a successful wool merchant who is traditionally credited with funding the construction of the magnificent Church of St Mary and its famous stained glass windows. Unlike many towns where evidence of medieval prosperity has disappeared over time, Fairford still retains visible reminders of this period. The church remains a lasting testament to the wealth and ambition of those who helped shape the town centuries ago.

Permalink: What is unusual about Fairford's medieval wealth?