Gloucester Docks, a successful bid and a year of celebrations

The arrival of the canal and the opening of the Gloucester Docks in 1827 helped turn a struggling cathedral city into a growing Victorian workshop.  Gloucester Docks have been a major element in the city ever since. Once trade came to an end, the docks went quiet but not for long.  They have now been reborn with a mix of housing and retail enterprises, a second renaissance and as we start to make plans to celebrate their bicentenary, the docks are still fundamentally important to Gloucester's economy and one of our key cultural offerings.

Consequently, we are delighted to announce that Gloucestershire Archives have secured a grant from Lloyds of London to investigate some of the historic sailing craft based in the city. By examining archive collections and undertaking family research we will look at the crews and their families, the boatbuilders and repairers and the shipowners who ran them.  We plan to produce an exhibition which will then feed into the other bicentenary celebrations happening throughout 2027. 

Other early plans to mark this landmark include a party and activities that everyone in Gloucester can enjoy. Events that we already hold annually will be enhanced and there will be new shows and exhibitions through the year. We also hope that everyone in Gloucester will want to make themselves part of the celebrations by putting on events and doing something to help the summer along.

We want to bring the docks to a wider audience, increasing visitors to the city in 2027 and helping our businesses thrive. At the heart of the modern docks lies the drydocks and the unique talents of Nielsen’s yard the country’s foremost repair centre for historic wooden craft. It is also a maritime business handling a wide range of modern vessels. We want that business to help draw the cream of sailing and heritage craft to visit the city and bring the docks to life.

And when the bicentenary is over, we hope the docks will feel more welcoming with new seats and signposting and more historic information and interpretation available for future generations to appreciate.

Green Pledge Project Update

'Going Green' Free Family Drop-in Sessions

The Green Team are running four fun packed drop-in sessions on Thursdays throughout August in the Dunrossil Room at the Heritage Hub. Sessions are as follows:

1 August, 10am – 12 noon: What a Load of Rubbish! – junk modelling and thinking about pollution and its impact on nature.   

8 August, 10am – 12 noon: Eat Me! – all about food, teaming up with Ryan from the Wiggly Charity

15 August, 10am – 12 noon: The Tailor of Gloucester - looking at clothes, how they were made and mended in the past, long before fast fashion became an issue.  Plus you can try a weaving activity and find out about natural dyes. 

22 August, 10am – 12 noon: Water, Water, Everywhere…. all about flooding and using maps and old photographs of floods in Gloucestershire to create pictures of how humans might adapt. 

The Green Team are also planning to run an orchard related event in the Autumn, inspired by the exciting discovery of a wonderful little book formerly belonging to Barbara Legge, catalogue reference D13653. It contains highly detailed orchard planting schemes for various areas of Gloucestershire. 

All future Green Pledge Project outreach activities will be advertised here

Listen up! 

Christina Wheeler, manager of the Green Pledge Project at Gloucestershire Archives has been busy making green related podcasts which can be accessed via the Green Pledge Project webpage here. 

In the latest episode, you have the opportunity to listen to two dawn choruses, both recorded in the month of May, in the same place, but 70 years apart.

Gathering and sharing information and produce 

Project Grow have teamed up with Wiggly Charity and the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub and are taking over the Hub's existing community garden.  The aim is to grow 50% of the vegetables needed for Wiggly’s cookery courses as well as for the community of Kingsholm.  We are working to prove the case for a more sustainable community food system, growing chemical free plants and produce with low food miles (less than 0.5miles from Hub to kitchen) and all delivered with minimal packaging and waste.

Having started in February, we are now harvesting and delivering vegetables, herbs and flowers to Wiggly on a weekly basis.  The garden is open every Tuesday from 10am and over the last month we have also teamed up with Roots Cafe to supply food for their community meal, every Tuesday evening from 4pm. They've recently been given boxes of salads, potatoes, herbs, cherries and even sweetpeas for their tables for which they were extremely grateful.  

You can get a monthly installment of what is happening in the community garden here

And if you would like to get involved, please email us at hello@weareprojectgrow.com

Rare slave song to go on display at Gloucester Cathedral

A new Chair for GLHA

At the GLHA’s AGM on June 17th, representatives from the Association’s 54 member groups elected Sally Self, from Cheltenham Local History Society, as Chair for 2024 - 25. Since she retired from the teaching profession, Sally has volunteered for many local history activities including leading a group of volunteers cataloguing documents at Gloucestershire Archives. She has researched and written articles for the British Association for Local History and for the Cheltenham Local History Society’s journal. She is also a trustee for the Gloucestershire County History Trust which produces the Victoria County History books. She joined the GLHA Committee in 2019.

 Attendees gave an appreciative thank you to the retiring Chair, Dr Steven Blake, who stood down from the post after 12 years. Steve was instrumental in setting up the Association in 2012 and has since worked tirelessly to promote interest in local history across the County.  A generous gift was presented to him on behalf of member groups and individuals and everyone wished him well in his ongoing research work.

In thanking everyone, Dr Blake said, “Serving as Chair for the past 12  years has been both a pleasure and a privilege, and I step down in  the knowledge that I helped to create and sustain an organisation that I believe to be of great value to the County's local history community and a worthy successor to the GRCC Local History Committee that preceded it. I am also confident that with Sally Self as the Association's new Chair and all existing Committee members - with whom I have worked so harmoniously over the years – continuing, the Association is in very good hands”.

GLHA Summer Afternoon meeting 2024

The Association’s Summer Afternoon Meeting was held at The Main Place in Coleford on Sunday, 30^th June, and was organised by the Forest of Dean Local History Society. The event was introduced by Nick Penny, the Mayor of Coleford, and Sally Self, Chair of GLHA.

 Around 70 people attended and were able to view a series of displays on the history of Coleford and had the opportunity to buy the special Coleford edition of the Society’s journal - The New Regard.

Following an introductory talk on the history of the town by Chris Sullivan, attendees had a choice of one of four walks or visits. Some chose to drive the short journey to Newland church, which dates from the 12th century, where they were given a conducted tour by local historian Averil Kear. Walkers could choose part of the Hidden Heritage walk to explore some of the sites in and around the town, including the remains of the Whitecliff Furnace, with Sue Middleton, or to learn more about the 800 year old history of the town centre with John Lane. The final choice was the Coleford ‘pub crawl’, visiting the sites of over 40 ale houses, beer houses and inns of Victorian Coleford with Simon Moore, who was suitably dressed as an Edwardian gentleman. Many of the buildings have been put to different uses but there are a few of the old pubs still flourishing today.

The day was rounded off in the traditional GLHA fashion with a splendid afternoon tea and the chance to look again at the various displays.

Ice cream, Bridgerton and a Barbadian slave song! This year’s Heritage Conference Day for Year 12s

What a fantastic day was had by all! Students from various schools and colleges across Gloucestershire enjoyed a day packed with all things history at this year’s Heritage Conference Day on the 28 June. Held at the impressive Business School at the University of Gloucestershire, the day included a series of talks and workshops.

 Melita Thomas, Author of 1000 Tudors, headlined the event with a fascinating compendium of Tudor peoples. We were amazed by the breadth and interests of the 16th century individuals discussed by Melita, who donned a fabulous Elizabethan costume.

The day opened with a panel of local artists and historians discussing ‘What is heritage now?’ Thanks to Michael Gorley for his capable chairing of the panel. Students also attended two out of eight offered workshops which aimed to both enrich and consolidate their historical understanding. There was a distinctly local flavour though more international areas were also covered. Who knew that millions of Magnum ice creams were made in Gloucester every year? Or that one of the earliest slave songs can be found here in the county? Great fun was had in the Fake News workshop looking at the historical accuracy of programmes such as Bridgerton! And the Forgotten Aviation workshop gave pupils the opportunity to learn all about aeroplane machinery from the experts.

 Thanks to everyone involved, either as a participant or in providing such a terrific programme of historic subjects.

 The Heritage Conference Day was run by Voices Gloucester with funding from Historic England. It will be taking place again next year so please watch this space…

Cheltenham Local History Society

Join us in celebrating all things Family History!

Everyone who delves into their family history loves to meet fellow enthusiasts, share experiences and discuss seemingly insoluble problems.  This is why we in GFHS are so delighted to host a Family History Fair between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 2nd November as one of the very popular monthly Heritage Hub Open Days. 

 So what’s going on?

Our own volunteers will be on hand to talk about some of the projects we’ve been working on over the last few years.  One of the most innovative projects we’ll be highlighting involved a collaboration with a variety of partners including the Civic Trust and Gloucestershire College and culminated in exhibitions in both St Nicholas’s church in Gloucester and the Cathedral.  Our part of the project involved researching the residents of a variety of properties in Westgate Street.  Then the College students took our research results and created a series of striking images inspired by the many unusual stories we’d found.  This picture shows just how astonishing the final result was.

We’re welcoming two amazing speakers

Dr Nick Barratt who needs no introduction!  His talks about family and local history and their future are always thought-provoking, inspiring and not-to-be missed.  Our other speaker is Joanna Teague who is a locally-based textile historian, researcher and artist.  Our volunteers have helped her to reinterpret the lives of the girls in the Cheltenham Female Orphan Asylum in the past and now we’re involved in her latest project ‘Stitching Lives Together’ which celebrates the many Gloucester residents who worked with fabric in its widest sense: from dress makers to pin makers.  She’ll tell us more about this project and how research can inspire art which in turn encourages many different people to engage with heritage - something we’re all very keen to do! 

 Although entry to the Fair is free-of-charge, booking for the talks is essential - please book through the Heritage Hub website: heritagehub.org.uk

Alongside all this, we’ve invited FH Societies from the neighbouring counties and other heritage groups to come to offer their specialist help and advice.  We’re also very grateful to the staff from Gloucestershire Archives who will be providing behind-the-scenes tours, advice about preserving family memorabilia and a display of some of the Archives’ treasures.

 A problem shared…

Visit our Research Centre to discover just how to kickstart your own research, starting from family memories, memorabilia or oldphotographs.  If you’ve already done ‘the basics’ and either have hit a brick wall or want to find out more about where (or how) your family lived, talk to our volunteers and see what we can help you find. Over the years we’ve compiled indexes to a wide variety of sources including local births, marriages and deaths from 1837, monumental inscriptions and war memorials so there is a good chance you’ll find something to interest you. 

No need to worry if your family doesn’t come from Gloucestershire - many of the resources in our Centre cover not only the UK but also the world, so we’ll do our best to help you!

Supporting the Archives in more ways than one

There are two main ways that FoGA can support the work of Gloucestershire Archives, and in the last few months we have been able to do both!

In 2023 an unexpected contribution was generously made to The Friends by Lanes Health. This Gloucestershire born, family run company is still based in the county and the Gilbert Lane Trust supports charities throughout England and Wales, with special emphasis on Gloucestershire and Lincolnshire (the founder’s home county).

The Friends put this donation towards refurbishing some of the book supports in the research room.

Clive Andrews, Chair of FoGA unboxed and presented this large Clarkson book support system, and it’s shown here supporting HO23/70/7, a case book (female), 1892-1904 from Coney Hill hospital. 

We were also able to support Gloucestershire Archives by purchasing at auction a lot of  miscellaneous deeds relating to Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire. These have been processed and are available in the catalogue at https://catalogue.gloucestershire.gov.uk/records/D16762.

To find out more about becoming a member of FoGA and supporting Gloucestershire Archives, please have a look at our website - https://www.foga.online/

It must be time for...the FOGA Mystery Tour!

Join us for the FOGA Mystery Tour conducted by John Chandler on Sunday 6 October 2024.

The coach will be leaving from Gloucester Station at 9am and Cheltenham Royal Well at 9.30am, returning at 6pm approximately.

The fare is £25 for members, £30 for non-members. Please bring a packed lunch if you wish, but there will be an opportunity to buy food and drink at our destination.

Please download a booking form at www.foga.online/events

The only thing we can't tell you is where you're going!

Gloucester History Festival, 7 - 22 September 2024

The Gloucester History Festival is back with over 200 mouth-watering events for history-lovers of all ages. Gloucester Day kicks off the celebrations on 7 September, followed by Heritage Open Days and ten days of compelling events from world-class speakers in the magical setting of Blackfriars Priory.  

 New this year all 50 Blackfriars Talks are live-streamed so you can enjoy them at home for just £6 each. History for everyone, wherever you are.

 In person and livestream tickets on sale now: https://www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/

Free Tours of Gloucestershire Archives

 Calling all lottery players!

The County Archivist of Gloucestershire Archives, Heather Forbes, will be offering a free ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the archive strongrooms on Monday 19^th August at 2pm.  To book a place, please go to https://www.heritagehub.org.uk/events/

Additional ‘behind the scenes’ tours will also be happening on Saturday 14^th September at 11am and 2pm as part of the Gloucester Civic Trust’s heritage open days. Booking for these tours will be available here shortly. We look forward to seeing you at either event.

Events at the Heritage Hub

Secrets Revealed Online Talk: Remember! Remember!

Wednesday 28 August
13:00 - 14:00

“Remember! Remember!” We are all familiar with Guy Fawkes's attempted plot – but Gloucestershire has been involved in several plots, rebellions and conspiracies, so before you raise a toast ‘to the wee gentlemen in the velvet jacket’ or order a barrel of gunpowder, you’d better check you’ve signed the latest ‘Oath of Allegiance’ and that your ’51’ with the ’13’ is secure….less you be accused of being involved in a ’63’ to overthrow ‘50’!
Where: Microsoft Teams
Book here

Plot and Conspiracy - Saturday 7 September, 13:00 - 16:00

1.15pm - The Digger Experiment in Gloucestershire: Was it at Slimbridge, 1649-50? by Stuart Butler of Radical Stroud
2.30pm - Showing of the community film, ‘Days of Hope – the Chartists in Stroud’ introduced by John Bassett, of Spaniel in the Works Company

More on the day
• Document display of records relating to anarchy and insurrection taken from collections held at Gloucestershire Archives
• Free refreshments throughout the afternoon.
• Up in arms or hiding from trouble? Discover your personal heritage at the Gloucestershire Family History Resource Centre, from 10am
Where: Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, Clarence Row, Alvin Street, Gloucester, GL1 3DW.
Car parking on-site, Free Refreshments, Beautiful Garden & Picnic Area, and Local Cafes nearby.
Book here

Secrets Revealed Online Talk: No More Twist!

Wednesday 25 September
13:00 - 14:00

Gloucester has many literary connections and some of our best loved characters have their origins – or may have had their origins and inspiration – in the county. This presentation will reveal some of these and their backstories, focusing on those intended for younger readers. So, make sure you have your parrot, bottle of potion, goatskin hat, quidditch broom and some twist to join us on a trip to Strongroom 3 or the Archive’s Neverland as we call it!!

Where: Microsoft Teams
Book here

  Dennis Potter in the present tense - Saturday 14 September, 14:00 - 14:45

An electro-pop biopic celebrating the life, land and work of acclaimed TV dramatist and playwright Dennis Potter, famous for “The Singing Detective” and “Pennies From Heaven”.
Performed by multimedia duo PROJECT ADORNO, featuring live songs, spoken word, video, samples and soundscapes.
Where: Dunrossil Room, Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, Clarence Row, Alvin Street, Gloucester, GL1 3DW.
Car parking on-site, Free Refreshments, Beautiful Garden & Picnic Area, and Local Cafes nearby.
Book here

Brass, boots and bikes - enjoy a visit to the Kingswood Heritage Museum

   

Helping us with our enquiries

With the weather being unpredictable, more people are staying at home and researching their families which has led to a surge in enquiries.

But here at the Police Archives, we don’t just answer queries and go out to events and talks. Our volunteers are all working hard on a variety of tasks.

  P is transcribing Chief Constables orders and putting them all together in some semblance of order.

  D has been researching death of officers in service and on duty

  J has been extracting collar numbers and where officers served from personnel files

  E is transcribing pocket books from the 1870s and researching the details to add to our website

  S is working at home extracting data to show why officers left in the first 100 years or so of the constabulary and       whether reasons were related to health and if their health was affected by their conditions of service

  E is looking into commendations and bravery

C is extracting information from General Orders to show the bigger picture when it comes to the careers of police officers

T is researching deep into the lives of officers to see what they were like outside work as well as finding out what happened to them after they left the force under a cloud

We are also looking at identifying officers from warrant card photographs from the 1970s and 80s and adding their collar numbers to our growing list. It seems amazing that we have lists of recruits joining that are numbered but that number is their joining number and not their collar number and it is the collar number which identifies them.

The talk and event circuit has continued to be busy.

In April there was a talk at the Tetbury Police Museum on Victorian Policing which went down well...so well, in fact that they now want a talk on women in policing on October 30^th. There was also a presentation at Charlton Kings and several visitors came to the Heritage Hub to donate items and share photographs

In May we went out to visit the Cheltenham Police Cadets who are undertaking a project to identify graves of serving police officers who died and trying to ensure that they are well kept and documented.

We also went out to an event at the Constabulary Headquarters to show new staff what we do.

June was an exceptionally busy month, with the Heritage Hub Partners event, a D-Day event in a local care home and a D-Day display at Police HQ.

And although we are busy we still have some room for more events/talks. The only thing we say is that each talk is written to order so we do need a bit of warning.

If you have any police related photographs we are always happy to receive Jpegs via gloucestershirepolicearchives@gmail.com and queries can also be sent to the same email address. We are also able to scan photographs in our office at the Heritage Hub.  We are usually open Monday to Wednesday until 2.30pm but it is worth checking before you make a visit as we do go out and about quite often.