Geoff Sandles

Local historian Geoff Sandles returns with the final book in the series of Gloucestershire pubs Through Time, and takes us on a journey down the River Severn from Tewkesbury to the Vale of Berkeley, covering the pubs in the City of Gloucester and its suburbs. From isolated riverside inns to bustling city pubs this selection of archive images is sure to impress, and will bring back memories of the bygone era and the humble public house. With the rise of supermarket trades, the habit of drinking and the pubs themselves have changed significantly in recent years. It is with this in mind that such buildings drenched in social history should not be forgotten. With beautiful scenery and an array of welcoming inns, now is the perfect time to thumb through this collection of timeless old photographs that take you on a journey around Gloucester, Tewkesbury and the Severn Vale.

Stroud is the capital of the south-western Cotswolds, located at the divergence of the five Golden Valleys, named after the monetary wealth created in the processing of wool from the plentiful supply of water power. Five populated valleys converge at Stroud, ten miles south-west of Cheltenham, creating a bustle of hills. The bustle is not a new phenomenon. During the heyday of the wool trade the River Frome powered 150 mills, creating thirsty workers in need of refreshment. In this the fifth of his series of Pubs Through Time, Geoff Sandles takes us on an affectionate visual journey through the valleys' watering holes, and uses old and new images, as well as entertaining captions to bring the history of the Stroud Valleys' pubs to life. From Amberley to Woodchester, Stroud Valleys Pubs Through Time will delight and surprise those who regularly frequent these establishments and know the area well.

South Cotswold Pubs Through Time is the perfect combination of English inns and quintessential Cotswold scenery. In a celebration of the special variety of pubs in this locality, timeless old photographs of these honey-stoned buildings are paired with modern equivalents, making this a journey back in time as well as around these pretty towns and villages in Gloucestershire. In his fourth book in the series of Gloucestershire pubs Through Time Geoff Sandles has selected the South Cotswolds; a large geographical area encompassing Cirencester, Fairford, Lechlade, Tetbury, Dursley and Wotton-under-Edge. From traditional town pubs to lavish country inns, join Geoff as he explores how pubs have had to adapt to cater for changing modern lifestyles.

Unlike many areas of the country, which have seen many pubs closing down in recent times, the Gloucestershire Cotswolds has luckily been able to retain most of its picturesque inns, and many of its local breweries and ales. Of course, it has also gained some examples of the modern 'gastro-pub'. While these are very exclusive, they do not have the same history and charm as the traditional establishments of the area. In this the third of his series of Pubs Through Time, Geoff Sandles celebrates the more traditional watering holes of the North Cotswolds. Join Geoff in his tour through the North Cotswolds, taking in the idyllic honey-coloured pubs of villages and towns including Bourton-on-the-Water, Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Campden. The fascinating history of the area's inns and pubs is lavishly illustrated with archive images and modern colour photography.

The Gloucestershire Forest of Dean is one of Britain's last ancient crown forests. Covering some 27,000 acres, this historic woodland has been a royal hunting ground, a source of timber for shipbuilding as well as a home to iron and coalmines. The villages and small market towns of the Forest boast a close-knit community and a rich and varied history. It is unsurprising, then, that the area has pubs dating back some 900 years that still retain their place at the heart of these neighbourhoods. Today these characterful traditional pubs and inns offer a warm welcome to the tourists who flock to this area of natural beauty, offering them a chance to mingle with the locals and maybe even meet the odd ghost of the Forest's vibrant past! Join Geoff Sandles as he introduces the pubs of the Forest of Dean, using old postcards and beautiful modern colour photography to tell their unique story.

Cheltenham Pubs Through Time is a unique and nostalgic collection of old and new images, illustrating the evolution and changing use of the town's pubs. The author contrasts archive photographs with colour images taken in the 1970s, a time that the majority of Cheltenham pubs were owned by Whitbread. The story is brought right up to date with the advent of the pubco's, and the sad demise of once popular pubs like the Greyhound.Geoff Sandles is passionate about beer and pubs. In his spare time he has devised a much acclaimed website, gloucestershirepubs.co.uk, which attempts to document the history of pubs in the county, past and present. He also edits a newsletter for the Gloucestershire Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale called The Tippler. Join Geoff on this affectionate tour of the taverns of this popular spa town.

Illustrated with over 200 old photographs, postcards and promotional advertisements, this collection offers an insight into Gloucestershire's pubs and breweries past and present. Included are images of the Cheltenham Original Brewery, Cainscross Brewery, Nailsworth Brewery, the Stroud Brewery Company, and snapshots of local pubs and landlords.