242 HISTORY OF THE 



posed to have belonged to the abbey-churchy 

 founded by Aldred, Bishop of Worcester, a few- 

 years prior to the Norman Conquest. The roof 

 of the nave was finished in 1248, between which 

 period and 1518, the transepts, cloisters, the 

 chapel of Our Lady and the central tower were 

 erected. A classically correct and appropriate 

 screen, separating the nave from the choir, was 

 erected in 1820, displacing one of a different cha- 

 racter. 



. Among the many tombs deserving of notice may 

 be mentioned that of Osric, King of Northumber- 

 land, Robert Duke of Normandy, son of William 

 the Conqueror, Edward II., etc. As an inland 

 port, Gloucester had attained some eminence at an 

 early period. At present, it carries on an exten- 

 sive coasting trade, which is greatly facilitated by 

 the advantages afforded by the river Severn, for 

 keeping up a communication with Bristol and the 

 coasts of Somersetshire, Devonshire, and South 

 Wales. Many vessels are also employed in the 

 coal trade. 



Gloucester is governed by a corporation, who 

 transact the municipal affairs of the city at a build- 

 ing called the Tolsey. 



To the east of the city a new mineral spring was 

 discovered in 1814, round which an extensive 

 tract of land has been tastefully laid out in plea- 

 sure grounds, and an elegant pump-room has been 

 -^erected, with other buildings for the accommoda- 



