Gloucester began life as a Roman settlement for retired soldiers, and has since had its ups and downs, like many small cities. The centre is on the site of an ancient fortress that dates back to about AD60. The city was given its first charter in 1155 by King Henry II, so it had the same privileges as London. It is renowned as being the place that became the turning point in 1643 during the English Civil War, when King Charles I demanded that the city surrender, having taken nearby Bristol. But Gloucester supported Parliament and its people refused. For nearly a month, the king’s army of 35,000 camped on…