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Gloucester Leasing

Did You Know?

Boasting one of the most fascinating histories of any school in the county, The King’s School Gloucester dates back to 681, before it was established by King Henry VIII in 1541 as a prestigious new College School – with expectations of the highest standards.

Aside from housing the burial place of King Edward II (one of only a few monarch tombs outside of London), Gloucester Cathedral hosted the coronation of King Henry III in 1216, who was nine years old at the time when he succeeded to the throne.

Current Gloucester Rugby fans cheer on the Cherry and Whites during matches at Kingsholm Stadium, but this wasn’t always the case, with the team’s former unofficial nickname said to be the ‘Elver Eaters’ – a reference to the unusual eel delicacy, for which there is an annual eating competition in Gloucestershire.

Offering a slice of history in the heart of Gloucester, Roman ruins can be found in the Eastgate underground viewing chamber, showcasing remains of the city from when it was a Roman fortress, with the site including the base of a 13th century tower and a horse-pool.

The Great East Window at Gloucester Cathedral boasted the accolade of being the largest window in the world when it was installed in the 1350s, and still remains a landmark of European medieval stained glass. Reaching 22-metres high and 12-metres wide, the window is a big as a tennis court.

Born in Gloucester in 1750, local composer and former King’s School student John Stafford Smith wrote the music for ‘The Anacreontic Song’ which became America’s National Anthem, known as ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.

Extraordinary historical tome, the Domesday Book was planned right here in the county, when William the Conqueror held the Christmas Court in Gloucester back in 1085, directing his men to visit shires across England, and to find out how the land was occupied.

Match-making company, S. J. Moreland and Sons, was established on the outskirts of Gloucester in 1867, and went on to produce the iconic England’s Glory matches – and although the brand went bust in the 70s, the tribute pub, under the same name, still resides on London Road.`

Gloucester contractor William Eassie made a priceless contribution for troops in the Crimean War, providing shelter in the form of prefabricated wooden huts. In 1854, a group of French soldiers visited the city to observe how the huts were manufactured, before more than 2,000 were dispatched.

Gloucester is famed for its cathedral and visitors from all over the world come to visit the 11th century cathedral and marvel at its Romanesque and gothic architecture.

Three members of the present royal family live in the county, Prince Charles at Highgrove, The Princess Royal at Gatcombe and the Prince and Princess Michael of Kent at Nether Lypiatt, near Stroud.