Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Coleford has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Coleford.
Here you can find hotels in the area of Coleford
Just type in your destination and get many different suggestions.
Sights in Coleford
Coleford is a town located in the Forest of Dean, in the county of Gloucestershire, England. The town is situated on the eastern edge of the forest, and is close to the border with Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Coleford is approximately 10 miles from Gloucester, and 20 miles from Hereford.
Coleford was first mentioned in the Domesday Book, in which it was known as Culforde. At that time, the parish included the hamlets of Mile End, Berry Hill andSteam Mills. In later centuries Coleford grew to become a market town, and a centre for the coal and iron industries.
The town has a number of historic buildings, including the Market House, which dates from the 18th century, and the Grade II listed St James the Great church, which was built in the early 19th century. There are also a number of parks and open spaces in Coleford, including the Dean Heritage Centre, and the Speech House Woods.
There are a number of annual events held in Coleford, including theColeford Carnival, which takes place in July, and the Coleford Festival, which is held in September.
History of Coleford
Coleford is a town and civil parish in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England. Historically part of Gloucestershire, Coleford is on the border with Monmouthshire, Wales, and is 10 miles (16 km) from Newport, 25 miles (40 km) from Bristol and 35 miles (56 km) from Gloucester. The town lies within the Forest of Dean District.
The name “Coleford” is derived from the Old English words culfran and ford, meaning “cold stream crossing”.
The Coleford area was settled by the Saxons in the 5th or 6th century. In the Domesday Book of 1086 the lord of the manor was listed as William the Conqueror. The manor was later granted to the de Lacy family by Henry II.
Coleford was originally a small village within the large Royal forest of Dean. It remained relatively unchanged until the Industrial Revolution when it became a center for coal and iron mining, as well as timber extraction.
During the 19th century, Coleford grew rapidly as a result of the mining boom and by 1891 the population had reached 8,634. However, the collapse of the mining industry in the early 20th century led to a decline in the town’s fortunes.
Today, Coleford is a thriving town with a population of around 11,000. It is a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as the Dean Heritage Centre and the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail.
Vacation in Coleford
Coleford is a town and civil parish in the Forest of Dean district of west Gloucestershire, England. Historically part of Gloucestershire, Coleford is close to the Welsh border and is situated on the River Wye. It is the largest town in the Forest of Dean and serves as the main administrative centre for the district.
Coleford was founded early in the 11th century by the Norman lord William de Boterel. The town grew up around Coleford Castle, a motteandbailey Norman fortification which was later rebuilt in stone. By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, Coleford was a prosperous market town with a population of around 200. The town continued to grow throughout the medieval period, and by the 16th century it was one of the largest settlements in the Forest of Dean.
In the 19th century Coleford developed as a coal mining town, and at its peak in the early 20th century it had a population of over 10,000. However, the decline of the coal industry in the mid20th century led to a decline in the town’s population and economy, and Coleford today has a population of around 4,500.
Despite its small size, Coleford is a popular tourist destination, with a number of attractions including the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, the Dean Heritage Centre, and the Clearwell Caves. Coleford is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Coleford Music Festival, the Coleford Carnival, and the Forest of Dean Half Marathon.
If you’re looking for a vacation destination that offers a bit of everything, from history and culture to outdoor activities and festivals, then Coleford in England’s Forest of Dean district is the perfect place for you.
Other vacation destinations in England:
