Protecting our heritage, promoting its history.
Discover the stories, buildings and people that have shaped Gloucester for more than 2,000 years.
From historic landmarks and hidden architectural details to guided walks, local events and heritage experiences, Gloucester Civic Trust is dedicated to celebrating and protecting the city we call home.
- Become a Member
- Explore What's On
Welcome to Gloucester Civic Trust
We're proudly protecting Gloucester's heritage.
- Our History
- St Michael's Tower
- Videos and Talks
- Heritage Open Days
- The Folk of Gloucester
- Become a member
From fascinating guided walks and historical talks to tours, exhibitions and special activities, explore what’s happening with Gloucester Civic Trust. Our story began in 1960s when so many buildings of historic interest, included listed buildings, were being demolished. Southern’s Stores in Northgate Street became the catalyst when it was realised, too late, that behind the Victorian façade was a medieval timber framed building.
Nobody knew it was there until the demolition started and revealed the timbers.
Gloucester Civic Trust
What's on
From fascinating guided walks and historical talks to tours, exhibitions and special activities, explore what’s happening with Gloucester Civic Trust.
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Guided
Discover Gloucester
Walk through centuries of history with our knowledgeable guides and discover the fascinating stories, characters and places hidden throughout Gloucester.
Gloucester Civic Trust
Unlock the door to Gloucester's past
See your city from a completely different perspective.
Heritage Open Days are a unique opportunity for Gloucester locals and visitors to explore historic buildings, discover hidden spaces and experience parts of the city that aren’t normally open to the public.
The Folk of Gloucester
Bringing the city's stories to life
Look a little closer and you’ll discover history around every corner. Explore Gloucester’s fascinating past, uncover its hidden treasures and experience the places and stories that make our city so unique.
Our story
Fifty years of standing up for Gloucester
From a launch meeting at the Guildhall in 1972 to caring for St Michael's Tower and The Folk today, these are some of the moments that shaped Gloucester Civic Trust. Keep scrolling to travel through the decades.
1972
A trust is born
- 3 February: Civic Trust launched at the Guildhall.
- 4 February: Council of Management holds its inaugural meeting.
- Sub-committees set up for Planning Appraisal, Historic Features, Finance and Property, Fund Raising, Projects and the Riverside Walk.
- 13 March: first public open meeting of the Trust.
- October: the Trust is incorporated as a charitable body.
1974–79
Leaflets, guides and Ladybellegate
- 1974: Historic Gloucester leaflet published, 2,000 copies sold in 10 days.
- 1974: Docks Ginger Group set up on 12 November.
- 1975: Tourist Guides formed. Port of Gloucester leaflet and a Town Trail published.
- 1976: Historic Gloucester leaflet wins a Design Council Award in a guide book competition.
- 1977: Ladybellegate House bought by the Trust for £1.
- 1977: the Trust helps successfully oppose the demolition of 30 Westgate Street.
- 1979: Ladybellegate House opened by HRH The Princess Anne, and a permanent Tourist Information Centre opens in College Street, staffed by Trust volunteers.
1980–85
Saving the city's buildings
- 1980: Gloucester Historic Buildings Ltd formed on 9 May in partnership with the City Council.
- 1980: the Trust and the Inland Waterways Association organise the Port of Gloucester 400 celebrations.
- 1981: the Trust helps successfully oppose the demolition of the North Warehouse.
- 1981: Aviation Murals unveiled on 20 September.
- 1981: Trust members are part of the Gloucester team that wins BBC TV's “Know your Place”.
- 1983: restoration of St Nicholas House (Dick Whittington) begins, and the first restored section of the Riverside Walk opens at Sandhurst.
- 1984: the Trust contributes to the restoration of St Mary Magdalene Chapel.
- 1985: Gloucester Historic Buildings acquires 71–83 Westgate Street, the former Wood's Army and Navy store.
1990–92
Wells, monuments and statues
- 1990: Trust volunteers open a Tourist Information Office in the foyer of the Waterways Museum.
- 1991: restoration of Our Lady's Well at Hempsted and repainting of the coat of arms on the Old Crypt Schoolroom.
- 1992: restoration of Bishop Hooper's Monument and of the wells on Robinswood Hill.
- 1992: Emperor Nerva statue project launched.
2002–09
A home at St Michael's Tower
- 2002: Emperor Nerva statue unveiled in Southgate Street.
- 2005: Robert Raikes statue in Gloucester Park refurbished.
- 2006: Civic Awards scheme launched with the city council.
- 2007: the Trust is granted a lease for St Michael's Tower.
- 2009: St Michael's Tower dedicated by the Bishop of Gloucester on 9 September, and the Civic Trust website is created.
2013–21
Recognition and The Folk
- 2013: Queen's Award for Voluntary Service presented to the Trust by HRH The Duke of Gloucester on 10 July.
- 2015: the 100,000th visitor joins a Trust guided tour.
- 2019: the Trust is a major donor to traditional-style railings around St Mary de Crypt church.
- 2021: the Folk Museum buildings pass to Gloucester Historic Buildings Ltd and are leased to Gloucester Civic Trust.
Gloucester Civic Trust
Become part of the story, help us protect Gloucester for the future.
Our work is made possible by people who care about Gloucester.
By becoming a member of Gloucester Civic Trust, you can support the protection of our city’s heritage while discovering more about its fascinating history along the way.