As we head towards Christmas, there are two stories that come to mind, which relate to Gloucester.

Firstly, and perhaps most obviously, is Beatrix Potter’s ‘Tailor of Gloucester’. First published in 1903, the book tells the story of a tailor making a waistcoat for the Mayor of Gloucester to wear when getting married on Christmas Day. The waistcoat is finished by mice, who are grateful for being saved from the clutches of the tailor’s cat, Simpkin.

Beatrix Potter wrote the story after hearing a tale involving a real-life tailor in the city, John Prichard. He had his shop at 45 Westgate Street (now part of The Sword Inn), but Beatrix preferred the look of the building at 9 College Court, where the Tailor of Gloucester shop and museum is today, so sketched that instead.

The museum has a large collection of Beatrix Potter memorabilia

The House of the Tailor of Gloucester has been largely run by volunteers since it was saved for the city following a campaign, led by local businessman Ivan Taylor, after being closed by the previous owners in 2005. The museum on the first floor has a large collection of Beatrix Potter memorabilia. There is no charge and it is well worth a visit. John Prichard is buried in the graveyard of St Mary’s church in Charlton Kings, Cheltenham.

The second story I think of is Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’. The character of Ebenezer Scrooge is said to be based on Jemmy Wood, who ran the Gloucester Old Bank in Westgate Street (where McDonald’s is now). Wood was known for his miserly ways and was believed to be the richest commoner in England.

He is buried at St Mary de Crypt church in Southgate Street – you can just about make out the name engraved on the gravestone in the church’s chancel. Do call into the church and take a look, and also have a read of the blue plaque on the wall of McDonald’s the next time you’re popping in for a Big Mac!

Have a very happy Christmas and why not find out some more about these two stories?