Brighton Gloucester Train

Brighton can trace its origins back to Brightelmstone which dates back to before the Domesday Book (1086) but developed as a health resort and spa during the 18th century. It was frequently used by the then Prince Regent and became a popular destination for Londoners to escape the city, especially the following the arrival of the railway in the 1840's.

Brighton's traditional economy for its first 700 years was centred on the fishing industry. Land called the Hempshares, the site of the present Lanes) provided hemp for ropes and sails were made from flax which was grown in nearby Hove. Fishing nets were dried and boast were kept on land which became Old Steine and fishermen lived and worked on the foreshore below east cliff. Herring and mackerel were the main products, but plaice, cod and conger eels were also fished.

In the 18th century the economy diversified as the town grew. Small-scale foundries were established, especially in the North Laine area; coal importers such as the Brighthelmston Coal Company set up business to receive fuel sent from Newcastle; and the rise of tourism and fashionable society was reflected in the proliferation of lodging house keepers, day and boarding school proprietors, dressmakers, milliners and jewellers.

The city of Gloucester is located in the county of Gloucestershire and lies close to the border with Wales. The city, which also lies on the River Severn, has a rich past dating back to Roman times. At the heart of the city, and standing in College Green, is the Norman cathedral with its breathtaking fan-vaulted cloisters and great east window. From the cathedral it is only a short walk down narrow cobbled streets, past historical buildings, to the main shopping area in the city. From there it is, once again, a short walk to the Victorian Docks with its now converted warehouses. In the docks you are likely to see all manner of vessels from narrow boats to sea going ships. The city is also an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area and take in the splendour of the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean. The Cotswolds is an area of rolling hills which rise from the meadows of the upper Thames to an escarpment, known as the Cotswold Edge, above the Severn Valley and Evesham Vale. The Forest of Dean is an area of mixed ancient woodland and forms a roughly triangular plateau bounded by the River Wye to the west and north, the River Severn to the south, and the City of Gloucester to the east.