New Location, Location, Location!
It's official! We will be relocating from our wonderful premises in Longhope to a new larger shop in Gloucester, where will be increasing our selection of gifts and introducing new fabulous products. Our new shop is in a wonderful location just off Westgate Street, and right next door to the Cathedral, with ample parking nearby. The Candle Tree in Longhope will close at the end of September and a new shop in Gloucester will open in mid October, where will have a wonderful Christmas set up, so please keep an eye on our announcements for more exact dates!
Situated on the attractive College street out new shop has a lovely view of the Cathedral one end and some beautiful Georgian architecture on the other side. Gloucester Abbey was a Benedictine abbey in the city of Gloucester, England. Since 1541 it has been Gloucester Cathedral. An interesting historical fact is that when Henry V111 and Anne Boleyn visited Gloucester on July 31st 1535, they entered the grounds of St Peters Abbey (Gloucester Cathedral) not by the main gateway in St. Mary’s Street, but by "Seynt Edwardes Lane” (College Street).
Apart from it’s use as an access to the Abbey, College Street was initially residential. As the population of the city and it’s trade grew, some of the properties in the lane became commercial. This may also account for various name changes such as 'Ironmongers row'.
College street was initially very narrow, it was originally only 10 feet and 9 inches wide. It was widened by the Gloucester Cathedral Approaches Company in the 1890’s. This was to provide a ceremonial access to the Cathedral. This also made it much easier for trades to pass through and it became a busy hub of commerce. The widening of the street also meant that, today, as we turn into College Street we are greeted with a magnificent view of Gloucester Cathedral.
Gloucester Cathedral is really a stunning building, in fact many of the former abbey buildings have been Grade I listed, including the Cathedral, the Cathedral Cloisters, Cathedral Treasury and the Cathedral Chapter House, together with the Little Cloister, Little Cloister House, the Infirmary and Church House, the former Abbot's Lodging. Pilgrims came during the Medieval period, and they still come, but for a different reason. Today, they come not to pray, but to admire the beauty of this fine building. Most of the great English cathedrals can trace some part of their design to architectural or stylistic innovations that were developed at Gloucester. For example, The origins of the breathtaking fan vault at King's College Chapel in Cambridge can be traced back to the cloisters at Gloucester.
Gloucester is well served for high street brands in the city centre, King's Walk Shopping Centre and Eastgate Shopping Centre. Every Friday, you will find the best in locally sourced produce at the popular Farmers Market on The Cross (where the 'Gate Streets' meet). The City Centre also hosts seasonal craft markets. The Cathedral Quarter where we are (Westgate Street, College Street and the picturesque College Court) is where you will find friendly and independent boutiques - perfect for gift shopping. There is also Gloucester Quays which has become a favourite destination for visitors with its great value designer brands, as well as its multiplex cinema, restaurant quarter and many festivals. Also, Gloucester is fortunate to have a range of antique shops and flea markets for shoppers browsing for unique collectibles. Come and pay us a visit at our new location, we will have a larger selection of our wonderful candles, natural soaps, superb gifts and lots lots more!