Walking through the History of Bishop's Cleeve, by David H Aldred

The history of Bishop's Cleeve, a large village four miles to the north of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, is skilfully told by the means of three walking tours around the village centre and six detailed case studies of important sites. The reader will learn how Bishop's Cleeve developed out of small, scattered prehistoric settlements into the early origins of a village in Anglo-Saxon times, followed by the turbulent years of the Middle Ages and the nineteenth century. The modern village developed with the arrival of Smiths Industries in the middle of the last century and has continued with the significant expansion over the last forty years. When and how these changes took place are carefully explained and the reader will meet some of the interesting people who have played their part in shaping the village's history. The book explains how the present landscapes are full of clues which help understanding more fully the historical influences which shaped them. This profusely illustrated book will appeal alike to long-time residents and more recent incomers, as well as anyone with a more general interest in the history of communities. David Aldred is well known as the author and editor of books and articles on many aspects of the history of North Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds. He also lectures extensively on topics of local history and has a special interest in landscape history. November 2022, 119pp, colour illustrations, paperback, £12.95, ISBN 9781914407444.