By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Archeological work has been underway to uncover part of a medieval wall in Gloucester.
Part of the wall around St Oswald’s Priory in Archdeacon Street is being uncovered thanks to the efforts of the City Council’s archeological team.
Originally built by Queen Aethelflaed in 900 AD, all that stands of the Priory are the remains of the north wall.
The surviving arcade also contains features from alterations and additions made in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.
Now work at St Oswald’s Priory has been welcomed by Westgate councillor Rebecca Trimnell who is pleased to see the works as the historical landmark.
“I was delighted to see the city council archeological team uncover part of the medieval wall around St Oswald’s Priory, which is now visible for all to see.“It has always been a wonderful historical landmark, but for many years it was looking very unloved.
“I am pleased to say with a lot of time and effort from a number of individuals it’s now looking wonderful with new lights and new interpretation boards also installed.
“It goes without saying how important it is to keep up with the maintenance of our monuments and for St Oswald’s Priory to be enjoyed by future generations.”
The City Council has been approached for comment.
Queen Aethelflaed – or Aethelflaed of Mercia – was the daughter of King Alfred the Great.
And she had a huge influence over the city’s history.
As well as founding the church, Aethelflaed also re-planned and refortified Gloucester as a burgh – a walled town capable of defense against the marauding Vikings.
The street layout of modern Gloucester follows the tenth century layout, which in turn was influenced by the underlying Roman town.