1600

This was a dramatic time. Gloucester played such an important role in the Civil War that it may well have cost King Charles I his throne and his life. But the City paid a high price too.

There were improvements to Gloucester, such as the introduction of clean running water for ordinary people, a new modern town hall (the Tolsey), new market halls and sumptuous houses. However unlike the neighbouring centuries, the population did not grow. The suburbs destroyed by the War were not rebuilt until the next century.

Edward Massie, soldier, politician and prison escapee was very much the hero of the time.