Discover Stroud, Gloucestershire

School of Science and Art, Stroud: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Victorian_Schoola.jpg
Author: Jongleur100


Stroud is a market town and civil parish in Gloucestershire, England. It is also the main town in Stroud district. The town is situated below the western escarpment of the Cotswold Hills, which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town of Stroud has a population of around 13,000 people (2012 estimate). Nearby are the parishes of Rodborough and Cainscross.

Stroud has been a village for hundreds of years before it began to develop rapidly during the 17th century. This was when woolen mills were built here, turning the village into a textile manufacturing town. In the 17th century the town received an influx of Huguenot immigrants fleeing religious persecution in Catholic France. They were followed by Jews in the 19th century.

To support the industrial growth of Stroud, a number of canals were built, connecting the town to major waterways such as the Thames. The canals were the main mode of transport until the early part of the 20th century, when road transport became dominant.

Today Stroud is a quiet town with a number of well-preserved historic sights. Some of its old canals are undergoing restoration and are being readapted for recreational purposes.

Visiting Stroud

From London, take the M40 motorway until Exit 8, then continue west on the A40 road, passing Oxford. When you arrive at Cheltenham, take the A46 road heading south till you arrive at Stroud.

Owlpen Manor, Stroud district, Gloucestershire: Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Owlpen_in_2007.jpg
Author: Derek Harper

Places of Interest in Stroud