England & Wales Hardwicke Marriage Index
Marriages 1754 - 1837
Gloucester Christ Church

The Parish

The city of Gloucester is located in north central Gloucestershire, the city being the county town. Gloucester sits on the eastern banks of the River Severn about 110 miles west of the city of London. Gloucester is built at the crossroads of the A38 (Bristol to Birmingham) and A40 (London to Gloucester) roads. Gloucester has an ancient origin, it as a "caster" was one of the principal settlements of Roman times and the city has been in continual existence since at least the 1st century. It's situation on the navigable Severn led to growth as an inland port and market for the whole of the county. Access to resources from a wider geographical area led to growth of industries within the city beyond those associated with agriculture and the port. Gloucester is divided into 8 ancient parishes, there were more but they were absorbed into these 8. As Gloucester's population grew in the 1820s All Saints (originally dedicated to Holy Trinity) was created from parts of St Michael and the rural parish of Hempstead, it covers the southern portion of central Gloucester within the city's inner ring road. Gloucester is dominated by its cathedral built by the Norman conquerors and was one of England's principal cities. Gloucester maintained its status through to modern times, the building of a canal for shipping growing its port during the 19th century and the presence of major rail and road routes (the M5 motorway passes to the city's east) maintain its status as a principal settlement. Gloucester is drained by streams to the Severn, most are underground today. Gloucester is sited at around sea level to 15 metres above it, All Saints stands at 13 metres. The city parishes covered just a few acres and All Saints would have supported a population of around 1,000 parishioners. In Domesday times the city was held directly by the King, with the exception of the Cathedral Close, it was not specifically enumerated.

The Church

All Saints' church stands at the junction of Brunswick Road and Montpelier. Despite the parish being created in 1823 the present building dates from 1875 and was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. Normally Pevsner is reticent regarding Victorian buildings but in the case of All Saints he describes it as the "finest 19th century church in Gloucester". The long nave and chancel stretch alonmgside Montpelier for some distance, the render, however, being an unflattering feature. The stunning western end is the church's tour de force and presents a beautifal facade towards Brunswick Square. The church site is slightly raised above street level, a brick wal buttressing with metal gates periodically for entry. Despite the urban setting and close properties there are no impediments to photography.