Huge honour as Gloucester recognised as Heritage Harbour

Vessels at Gloucester's 2022 Tall Ships event came from far and wide, including TS Irene - built in Bridgwater in Somerset in 1907, TS Anny of Charlestown - built in Denmark in 1930, La Malouine, TS Grayhound, TS Vilma, TS Klevia and Kathleen & May
-Credit: (Image: Paul Box)


Gloucester has been officially recognised as a Heritage Harbour, marking a significant milestone in the city's rich maritime history. The momentous occasion was celebrated with a proclamation by Alan Myatt, the Town Crier, outside North Quay, North Warehouse, announcing Gloucester's new status.

Adding to the excitement, a cannon firing took place immediately after the proclamation, honouring the city's deep-seated maritime roots. Visitors were also given the opportunity to board the Kathleen and May, the last British-built top-sail schooner of its kind still afloat.

Gloucester now joins Ramsgate as the latest harbour to receive the Heritage Harbour title, becoming part of a network of 12 other locations. This network is supported by National Historic Ships UK, Historic England, and the Maritime Heritage Trust.

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The aim of this network is to help protect the harbourside, buildings, facilities and businesses that are crucial to supporting working maritime heritage vessels. The celebrations, which coincide with the Gloucester History Festival, will continue throughout the month.

A range of historical events focused on maritime heritage will provide an excellent lead-up to Gloucester's eagerly awaited Bi-Centenary in 2027.

Henry Cleary, Heritage Harbours’ convenor and chair of Maritime Heritage Trust, said: “We are very pleased to welcome on board Gloucester Docks, and Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour, during Heritage Open Days 2024, the largest festival of history and culture in the UK.

“Heritage Harbours are about capturing the interactions between navigable water and the land and buildings alongside it. No other designation does this and we now have locations which represent the main types of historic port from the Roman period to the 19th century."

Tony Conder, Chair of the Gloucester Docks Bicentenary Working Team, said: "Heritage Harbour designation is an amazing achievement for Gloucester, building on the work of the City Council, Canal & River Trust, previously British Waterways, in bringing new life to the waterfront. It offers fantastic opportunities for all the current partners engaged within the historic Port of Gloucester to celebrate the Bicentenary in 2027 and to go on to strengthen the Gloucester Docks businesses and enhance the enjoyment of visitors to this maritime heritage site into the future."

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “It’s an honour for our beautiful and historic city to receive this title. It’s important to preserve and protect our heritage for present and future generations and the docks have played a very important role the growth of our city for 200 years and continue to do so today. I’m grateful to everyone who has worked towards Gloucester receiving this official recognition as a heritage harbour.”

For more information on all the Heritage Harbours, and a map showing the locations, see www. maritimeheritage.org.uk/heritage-harbours/location-map. For more information about the events taking place to mark the Heritage Harbour Designation visit Gloucester Civic Trust | Gloucester and Gloucester History Festival - bringing unique History to life