Cheltenham

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Cheltenham was originally an Anglo-Saxon settlement, which rose from relative obscurity in the eighteenth century, when according to legend, a flock of pigeons discovered a spring on the site of what is now the Ladies College. The locals tried the waters and found that they eased many of their medical disorders. Local entrepreneurs realised that there was money to be made from this gift of nature and started to develop the town into its elegant regency style.

Cheltenham has prospered and now has a population of 109,800 as, after the Second World War, the government established their Communications headquarters in Cheltenham (G.C.H.Q), which has become one of the West's most important surveillance centres.

Cheltenham is a thriving commercial centre as well as a popular destination for tourists. Many large organisations are based there.

Most of the town centre lies within a conservation area, which includes beautiful regency buildings, squares and terraces - including the historic Promenade. It also has award-winning gardens, an impressive range of stylish shops and restaurants and hosts festivals of music and literature.

Cheltenham contains three theatres and its art festival brings artists of international repute. There is also a county cricket festival and famous National Hunt Festival held at Cheltenham racecourse.

Pittville Park has scenic lakes, pitch and putt, tennis courts, spacious lawns and the Pittville Pump Room, where the spa waters can still be tasted. Holst, best known as composer of the Planets Suite, has a museum celebrating his birthplace. There is also the Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum.

All year round, the beautifully restored Everyman Theatre hosts productions by renowned theatre groups while the Playhouse Theatre is the base for Cheltenham's many amateur companies. The Town Hall hosts many concerts and exhibitions including the popular Ideal Home Exhibition.

Outside Cheltenham is Lodge Park, situated on the picturesque Sherborne Estate in the Cotswolds, with an impressive deer course and park of 4,000 acres of beautiful rolling countryside. Also nearby are many activities for children including Prinknash Bird and Deer Park.

The links on this page will take you to some useful websites. The Severn Deanery is not responsible for any of the information published by external websites.