Glorious Gloucestershire - Hazel Peel

Gloucestershire is a long County which sprawls across both sides of the River Severn. It vibrates with English history as well as the stories of many remarkable men and women. So many of the small villages, which seem either picturesque or inconsequential, echo valiant or terrible deeds. It is very much a mixed County as the landscape ranges from hills down to gentle pasture land, intermixed with natural wet lands yet we know, countless centuries ago, much was sea. Man has always favoured Gloucestershire just because of its benign temperament. From the very earliest inhabited times, Cro Magnon man was very enthusiastic about the conditions he could find in this County for himself, his tribe, and his precious livestock. The ancient Britons heavily settled this area in their various tribes always ready and very eager for their usual hobby of Internecene tribal warfare. The Romans too were most enthusiastic about Gloucestershire, and promptly did their own thing by plastering it with their splendid roads. They populated the area and despite this island's climate, which they considered horrible after the Italian sunshine, many of the soldiers staying on in retirement, making Britain their home. It is quite remarkable how so many of the County's little villages, today perhaps sleepy and peaceful, have been touched by the history of a long line of kings and queens, as well as other remarkable citizens -- some born in Gloucestershire, and others who adopted it as their home. Perhaps some of this fascination arises from its various gentle scenic views as well as the majestic and awesome power of the mighty River Severn. As today's visitors drive or walk, exploring this county, from north to south then east to west, they too will also fall under the magical spell of "Glorious Gloucestershire".