Things you didn't know about... Gloucester

Gloucester is home to the world's oldest backgammon set
The world's oldest backgammon set, which is thought to date from 1120 and is decorated with risqué pictures, was first owned by Walter of Gloucester. He discarded it in a cesspit when he became a monk to show his renunciation of gambling.

Gloucester is the birthplace of the vacuum cleaner.
The vacuum cleaner was invented in Gloucester in 1901 by Hubert Cecil Booth. The original model was powered by petrol and parked outside a house while large cleaning tubes were fed in through the windows. It was so large that horses were needed to move it.

Gloucester gave the world a ski legend
Britain's first (and ill-fated) Olympic ski jumper, Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards, used to train on Gloucester's dry ski slope.

Cajun culture comes to Gloucester
The biggest festival of its kind in the UK, the Gloucester International Cajun and Zydeco Festival brings Louisiana to town each January, with dance and instrument workshops, jam sessions and spicy Cajun food.

Beatrix Potter was inspired by Gloucester
Peter Rabbit creator Beatrix Potter was inspired by a local legend to write The Tailor of Gloucester. In the story, mice come to the rescue of a poor tailor when he falls ill, finishing the coat he is making.

Matches made in Gloucester
One of Gloucester's main industries in the 20th century was matchstick production. The famous brand "England's Glory" was founded in the city.

Edward II rests in Gloucester
In 1327, Edward II met a grisly death involving a red-hot poker and is now buried in Gloucester.

Harry Potter was filmed in Gloucester
Gloucester Cathedral's historic cloisters were transformed into Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the filming of JK Rowling's first two books, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

The Star-Spangled Banner flies in Gloucester
In memory of Gloucester organist John Stafford Smith, who wrote the American national anthem, the US flag flies from Gloucester Cathedral.

Stop here and buy one
Ice cream makers Wall's have their biggest plant in Gloucester. Built in 1959, it produces favourites including Vienetta and Magnum.