The problem with being steeped in the history of Swindon is that sometimes you miss the gems a short journey away. This week I have spent three glorious days at the Gloucester History Festival and heard talks by eminent historians such as David Olusoga, Michael Wood and the dynamic Janina Ramirez, Life President of the Festival.

The Gloucester History Festival events take place in the Blackfriars priory in Ladybellegate Street. Founded by Henry III in about 1239 some 40 Dominican friars lived in the priory during the Middle Ages. In addition to their ecclesiastical duties within the priory the friars were also involved with the community beyond its walls, preaching, hearing confessions and taking part in funeral processions.

The priory was closed during the Reformation and the Dissolution of the Monasteries when Henry VIII broke with the Catholic Church in Rome in order to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon and marry his second, Anne Boleyn.

During breaks in the festival talks I took the opportunity to visit the church of St Mary de Crypt in Southgate Street. First recorded in c1140 the medieval church received extensive restoration throughout the 19^th and early 20^th century. Stepping out of the 21st century Southgate Street into the Grade I listed building, revealed a busy group of volunteers hard at work. However, there was plenty to see with 14^th, 15^th and 16^th century features.

I don’t know if there was ever a cemetery around the church, but as usual those with influence (and money) were able to secure a burial inside the church.

Remembered here is the Smyth family. Thomas who died on December 9, 1782 aged 54. Buried with him are his wife Mary, eight of their children, and a daughter named Eleanor, who all died in infancy, two sons, William who died in 1779 aged 18 and Charles who died in 1787 aged 24.

I would like to know more about Thomas and Mary Smyth and I’m sure someone has at sometime researched this family. I would especially like to know more about Mary, the wife and mother who lost so many children during her own lifetime and died in 1805 at the age of 74.