Priory Street in Cheltenham is part of a town with a history that stretches back over a millennium. Cheltenham began as an Anglo-Saxon village more than 1200 years ago and was granted a market charter in 1226, which laid the foundation for its economy until the 18th century1. The discovery of medicinal waters in the late 18th century transformed Cheltenham into one of England’s leading spa...

Prestbury Manor is a substantial detached, Grade II Listed period country house, dating from the early 19th Century and the one-time residence of the Baghot-De la Bere family. Prestbury Manor is situated on the outskirts of the village of Prestbury, with lovely views to the Cleeve Hill escarpment. take the aerial...

A local solicitor called Thomas Billings purchased the site in 1831 and put plans in train for Gloucestershire Zoological, Botanical and Horticultural Gardens. This was an ambitious project which eventually failed. It is reported that it was to be opened officially on the day of Queen Victoria's coronation in 1838. Elements of the original plans remain which include the Elephant Walk and the lake which...

St. Luke’s was built in a wave of growth in the mid-1850's. Services were held for a while in school premises on Bath Road but in response to the need a new church building was erected. The building was consecrated on 7th November 1854. It was designed by F W Ordish and from the beginning followed the style which the Victorians called “Geometric Decorated Gothic”. Today the tower is fairly...

One of Gloucestershire's biggest mysteries must be the enigma of the Devil's Chimney. The rock pinnacle stands above a disused quarry in Leckhampton on the outskirts of Cheltenham.For generations the Devil's chimney has been popular landmark for locals and a destination for Sunday walks but it has defied all investigation into its origin.Some believe that the chimney is (as the local historian D.E Bick...

The original building (now Shaftesbury Hall) opened as St Mary’s College – a teacher training college for women – in 1869. The site expanded and changed names but remained an educational establishment, eventually becoming part of the new University of Gloucestershire.It housed a theatre and performance space and many who were not students here remember it as a venue for films, dance, drama, music...

Constructed by reputable national house builders Belmont Homes this modern town community was built in the early 2000's when the was a boom in buy to let investments. Although a number are still available to rent the area is well maintained and has a delightful central garden for all to enjoy. Brookbank Close is a modern development of self-contained apartments and town houses, situated within a short...

Naunton Park was officially opened on 6 July 1893 and has gone through many transformations since. Today it consists of two distinct areas - a quiet ornamental garden, with a magnificent weeping beech tree at its centre, bordered by cottages and yew hedge - and a playing field and enclosed play area with magnificent views across to nearby hills. The play area has been refurbished and planted with...

A Storied Past and a Promising Future ‍For over 300 years, Cowley Manor has held a prominent place in England's history. Constructed in 1695, the estate was a refuge during wartime and a muse for countless artists and authors. Today, this prestigious establishment stands as a testament to the region's enduring charm. Each of the 36 spacious rooms, along with the garden lounge, games room, bar, and...

At the top of Crickley Hill is an area of woodland known as The Scrubbs. A site of Special Scientific Interest, the woodland is a mix of beech, oak and ash trees, some of which have a history dating back 200 years. The rangers at Crickley Hill have set out a 10-year woodland management plan that will improve conditions for wildlife and allow trees and habitats to flourish. Ancient and veteran...