England & Wales Hardwicke Marriage Index
Marriages 1754 - 1837
Gloucester St Michael

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. St Michael is the fifth largest by population and occupies the southeastern corner of the mediaeval city. 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, St Michael's stands at 12 metres. The city parishes covered just a few acres and St Michael 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

St Michael's church is situated at "The Cross" where Eastgate, Northgate, Southgate & Westgate streets all meet the physical centre of the mediaeval city. Little remains of the church which was largely demolished in 1956. The Perpendicular tower remains, dated by Pevsner to 1465. The remaining area of the church is now covered by business premises and the tower serves as a pedestrian access to a mall. The tower stands with no border from the surrounding pavements and can be viewed easily from many angles.