September is an important month for the city for many reasons, including that Gloucester Day falls within it. Gloucester Day represents the lifting of the Siege of Gloucester during the Civil War and although historically it falls on 5th September, we tend to celebrate it now on the first Saturday of the month. The marking of the event was reintroduced a few years ago by Town Crier Alan Myatt and now includes a church service and a parade through the city. Adding to the spice of the occasion, this year Gloucester Rugby start their Premiership campaign at home to Northampton Saints that day.

The 375th anniversary of the Siege

This year we mark the 375th anniversary of the Siege. The city’s Parliamentarian forces, under the command of Colonel Edward Massie (often written as Massey), held out against a much larger Royalist army, changing the course of the war and thus our country’s history.

Massie was an interesting character to say the least. He was aged only 23 during the Siege, which he directed from what is now The Old Crown pub at the bottom of Westgate Street. He later switched sides to the Royalists, was knighted by Charles II and went on to be a Member of Parliament for Gloucester. Legend has it he was offered the post of Governor of Jamaica (nice work if you can get it!) but never took up the position. His mother Ann was sister of Richard Grosvenor, the 1st Baronet and ancestor of the Duke of Westminster.

As part of the Gloucester History Festival, one of Massie’s successors as MP for Gloucester, Richard Graham, will be giving a talk on him entitled “Hero, Traitor or Opportunist”. It takes place at Blackfriars Priory on Sunday 9th September at 2pm. Tickets are £8 and available from www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk or the Tourist Information Centre on 01452 396572.

A weekend of Civil War activities

A weekend of Civil War activities is also taking place on 15th and 16th September with a drill display in Kings Square at 10.30am, living history camp in Brunswick Square (known as Gaudy Green at the time) from 11am-5pm and battle re-enactment in Gloucester Park at 3pm each day. I did invite the current Duke of Westminster to join us to celebrate one of his forebears. Apparently he is busy that weekend but sends his good wishes for the event.

The Siege of Gloucester is one of the most important chapters in the city’s rich history. Some say we have never been forgiven for taking the side of the Parliamentarians. Charles II wreaked his revenge by knocking down our city walls. We may not have much of them left to show, but this anniversary is a great way in which we can bring our history to life.