Dursley

The name Dursley derives from the Old English deorsigeslēah meaning 'Deorsige's wood or clearing'. Ancient historical sites in the vicinity give evidence of earlier occupation. Uley Bury is an Iron Age hill fort dating from around 300 BC. The area also has neolithic long barrows; one called "Hetty Pegler's Tump" can be entered. Roman remains exist at Frocester, West Hill near Uley, Woodchester and Calcot Manor. Dursley once had a castle, built by Roger de Berkeley in 1153. Dursley gained borough status in 1471 and lost it in 1886. From 1837 to 1851, it was the administrative centre of Dursley Registration District which recorded vital records of people living in the parishes of North…