One of Gloucester’s most important, but perhaps lesser-known, figures will be discussed at a talk in September.
The life of Colonel Edward Massey, commander of the city’s forces during the Siege of Gloucester, will be the subject of a talk by local Civil War historian Jon Eeles to mark the 350th anniversary of Massey’s death.
The talk will take place at St Mary de Crypt in Southgate Street in the city centre on Thursday 5th September – the historic Gloucester Day when the Siege was lifted – and will raise funds to support the building and its activities. St Mary de Crypt was itself an important building during the Siege of Gloucester when it was used as an ammunition factory and store.
Massey was just 23 when he commanded the city’s Parliamentary forces and saw off a much larger army of King Charles I, changing the course of the war. He switched sides after the war, was knighted by Charles II and sat as Gloucester’s Member of Parliament from 1660-1674.
Tickets are just £5 and are available from https://www.stmarydecrypt.org/product-page/colonel-edward-massey-talk or by calling 01452 305235.
Paul James, Chair of the Friends of St Mary de Crypt, said, “Massey was a fascinating character and I’m looking forward to finding out more about him. We’re very grateful to Jon for agreeing to give this talk. He has such great knowledge and passion about the Siege of Gloucester. I’m sure it’s going to be an enjoyable event.”