Millennium Celebrations of the Shire of Gloucester

At the request of the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, a Judicial Inquiry was held into the circumstances and likely date of the birth of the shire.

For that purpose, a Grand Jury was sworn-in before the Resident Judge of the Gloucester Crown Court, the Lord Lieutenant in his capacity of Custos Rotulorum, and the Chairman of the Gloucestershire Magistracy.

The Queen's Remembrancer appeared as Counsel for the High Sheriff and set out the evidence. He called as expert witnesses: the President of the Gloucestershire Archaeological Society; and, the Elrington and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon History in the University of Cambridge.

The Grand Jury included civic leaders from across the shire and members of the shrievalty. It reached the verdict that the Shire of Gloucester was probably created by Eadric Steona, Ealdorman of Mercia, in 1007 and called for millennium celebrations to be organised.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester has accepted the role of Patron of the Shire's Millennium Celebrations.

Fly The Flag

A number of the world's flags

As part of Gloucestershire’s Millenium Celebrations the previous High Sheriff, Jonathan Carr, offered a prize of £250 to a resident of the county who submitted the best design for a county flag. This was judged in March 2008.

Jonathan has a stock of Gloucestershire flags, costing approx £35 each. Please contact him on 01242 890287 or by email jondaf.carr@virgin.net