Gloucester (ancient Glevum), city, administrative center of Gloucestershire, western England, on the Severn River. Gloucester is an inland port, connected by a deepwater canal (completed 1827) to docks on the Severn estuary. Harbor traffic consists chiefly of petroleum imports. Manufactures include aircraft parts, agricultural machinery, railroad equipment, and food products. Gloucester's cathedral is essentially a Norman (11th century) structure with Gothic additions. Edward II, who was murdered nearby, is buried in the cathedral. Also here are a historical museum, an art gallery, and a college of art. Gloucester was founded by the Romans about AD97. Development was spurred after 681 when the Abbey of Saint Peter was built here. The town became the capital of Mercia, and by the early 11th century it had a royal residence and a mint. It was made the seat of an episcopal see in 1541. Population (1996 estimate) 106,834.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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