Gloucester is a cathedral city and the county town of Gloucestershire in the South West of England. Located on the River Severn between the Cotswolds to the east and the Forest of Dean to the west, it lies approximately 7 miles from Cheltenham, 19 miles from Monmouth, and 33 miles from Bristol. The city has a population of around 132,000 including suburban areas.
As a working port, Gloucester is connected to the Severn Estuary via the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, a feature that has historically supported its commercial importance. The city's status as a cathedral city and county seat makes it a significant administrative and religious centre for the region.