Gloucester was a significant city in Roman Britain and has played an important role in the history of this country in the two millennia since then. It has also had an individual and often strange history over this period and in this book local historian author Paul James takes a look at his home city and uncovers some of its quirkier aspects. From Pinchbelly Alley to rainbow streets, and from mock mayors to cheese-rolling, this book explores some of the oddities and characters that help characterise this ancient city. Readers will find stories of long-lost legal cases, ancient customs, modern myths, unusual foodstuffs, curious attractions, remarkable animals and much, much more.

Drawing on archive material as well as his own, extensive, local knowledge, Paul James presents a fresh look at Gloucester – from a slightly different angle – as he delves into lesser-known but fascinating tales from the city’s past. Quirky Gloucester celebrates the unusual and often strange history of Gloucester and its characters over the years. This intriguing insight into Gloucester will be of interest to all those who want to know more about the city’s quirky history.