GLOUCESTER CITY, is situated in l)udston and King's Barton hundred,Gloucestershire,105; miles west from Lon don. This city is situated in the vale of Gloucester, on a gentle eminence, rising on the east side from the river Severn. Its situation, however, though it affords a fine ob ject to the hills around, is by no means pleasant, the coun try around it partaking of little variety; and though its walls are washed by the Severn, that river loses here much of its dignity and interest, by being divided into two small channels, with a long connecting causeway. Gloucester has lately been much improved. Its four principal streets are admired for the regularity of their junction in the cen tre of the town. The cathedral is a tine building ; its lofty tower, and 4 transparent pinnacles, adorned with exquisite fret work, make a conspicuous figure. Within, the high roof and Gothic ornaments of the choir, form a noble con trast with the simple grandeur of the ponderous Saxon pil lars and arches which support the aisle. Its principal cu riosities, arc the beautiful painted glass in the chapel of onr Lady ; the whispering gallery ; the tombs of Edward II. who was murdered in Berkley Castle, and of Robert Duke of Normandy, eldest son of William the Conqueror ; and the great bell, suspended in the first story of the central tower. The walls surrounding Gloucester, in the time of William the Conqueror, were completely demolished soon after the Restoration, the only remains being the west gate, standing on the banks of the Severn, at the end of a stone bridge of 5 arches, built in the reign of Henry II. This bridge is connected on the west with a causeway of stone, which extends through the low meads and isle of Alney to the distance of about half a mile. The castle of Glouces ter, of which the remains were destroyed a few years ago to make room for the county gaol, was probably erected about the time of the Norman invasion, as the Domesday Book mentions that 16 houses were taken down for its scite. Camden states, that in his time it was for the most part decayed. The county goal well deserves the inspec tion of the stranger. It was commenced, from the designs and under the direction of Sir George Onesiphorus Paul, Bart. a gentleman well known for his judicious and inde fatigable exertions in the cause of the best interests of so ciety, no where better exemplified than in the plan of this structui e, and in the code of laws which he drew up for its government. The gaol consists of 3 divisions ; the peni
tentiary house, the bridewell, and the sheriff's prison. These have all their distinct and appropriate regulations. It contains 203 separate cells; 164 for sleep, and 39 for em ployment. At stated hours during the day, the prisoners are permitted to enjoy the fresh air, in a court-yard 210 feet long and 57 broad. The same class of prisoners only are allowed to associate together. The internal economy is un der the management of the chaplain, governor, and sur geon, who act according to fixed rules, and who are them selves subjected to the cont•oul of the county There are besides a house of industry, and a county tha ry, under excellent regulations. Gloucester receives its supply of water from springs about two miles to the south ; and it appears from ancient records, that an aqueduct was carried thence to the city, upwards of 400 years ago. Be sides the amusements common to all provincial towns, there is in Gloucester, 'Worcester, and Hereford, a musical fes tival, established by the choirs of those cities, with the as sistance of the first performers in the kingdom. The pro fits are applied to relieve the widows and orphans of cler gymen. The meetings are held yearly, alternately in each city, and continue for three days.
The principal trade of Gloucester arises from the pin manufacture, and from the navigation of the Severn. This river is navigable to the wharf near the bridge for barges, vessels of larger size being obstructed by the rocks and sand banks in the narrow channel near the city. To reme dy this inconvenience, the Gloucester and Berkley canal was begun, which was intended for the passage of ships of 400 tons burthen. There has also been a bell foundery here since the year 1500. For the last 150 years, this busi ness has centered in one family, who, in that period, have cast upwards of 3000 bells. This city is the sec of a bishop. It returns two members to parliament, the num ber of electors being about 2000. It was anciently regard ed as a distinct hundred, and is still privileged as a county within itself. The corporate officers consist of a mayor, 12 aldermen, a high steward, a recorder, a town clerk, 2 she riffs, 26 common councilmen, and 4 sergeants at mace. The population returns of 1811, give the following results respecting this city :