VOL. XV (3) LOCATION AND STORY OF GLOUCESTER 257 
can we become competent to imagine even in outline, the 
earlier chapters in the story of this ancient abode of men. 
Here, as in many another field, the naturalist and the 
archeologist must work hand in hand. In this way, it is 
believed, we shall be led to at least the following definite 
and general conclusions. 
First.—That the Celtic “ Caer Glow” did not occupy 
the site on which, in succession to the Roman fortress, 
modern Gloucester now stands, but enclosed a much 
smaller area on lower ground a little to the north. 
Second.—That this same “Caer Glow” was not in 
Celtic times the “Fair City” of which our local poets 
have been wont to dream, but was a mere out-post of a 
civilization whose centre was to be found on higher ground 
and far inland. 
Third.—Whereas it has been suggested that it was a 
convenient ford across the river here, which determined 
the location of both the Celtic and Roman strongholds, 
the contrary would seem to be true, the secret of the 
military importance of the position at Gloucester being 
found in the network of alluvial islands and the intervening 
channels which, with their beds of mud soft as cream, 
made it practically impossible for the Severn to be forded 
or forced anywhere abreast of Gloucester. 
