Gloucester
[key], city and district, Gloucestershire, W central England, on the
Severn River. Manufactures in Gloucester include aircraft components,
agricultural machinery, railroad equipment, and processed foods. Timber
mills and light and heavy engineering works are prevalent. The port is still
active but has been eclipsed by Bristol since the 15th cent.
Gloucester stands upon the site of the Roman city Glevum. In Saxon times it
was the capital of Mercia. Noteworthy
is the cathedral (begun 1089) in which Edward II is buried. The Three Choirs
Festival is held in Gloucester every third year. A technical college and an
old public school are there.
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