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Mitcheldean
St Michael and All Angels Church, Mitcheldean - geograph.org.uk - 808678.jpg
Church of St Michael and All Angels, Mitcheldean
Mitcheldean is located in Gloucestershire
Mitcheldean
Mitcheldean
Population 2,776 (2021 Census)
OS grid reference SO663185
District
  • Forest of Dean
Shire county
Region
Country England
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town Mitcheldean
Postcode district GL17
Police Gloucestershire
Fire Gloucestershire
Ambulance Great Western
EU Parliament South West England
UK Parliament
  • Forest of Dean
List of places
UK
England
Gloucestershire
51°51′53″N 2°29′25″W / 51.8646°N 2.4904°W / 51.8646; -2.4904

Mitcheldean is a small market town located in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, England. It is known for its interesting history and strong community.

History of Mitcheldean

A small, but perfectly formed Town Hall - geograph.org.uk - 535559
Mitcheldean Town Hall

For many centuries, Mitcheldean was a busy town. This was because it was close to important iron ore deposits. In the 1800s, the town grew even more. This growth was thanks to money made by Wintles' Forest Brewery.

Mitcheldean is a close-knit community. It has its own special traditions, much like other villages in the Forest of Dean. One famous tradition was the Mitcheldean Prize Brass Band. People still remember this band well. Arthur Bullock, who lived nearby, wrote about it. His father and brothers were part of the band. He wished he could have heard them play at their best. Sadly, the band stopped playing because of World War I (1914-1918).

In the 1900s, the town grew again. This time, it was due to the Rank Xerox photocopier factory. This factory was very important for the town. Later in the 20th century, the photocopier industry changed a lot. However, the old Rank Xerox site is still busy. It is now called Vantage Point Business Village. Many small businesses, new factories, and distribution companies are there today.

Getting Around Mitcheldean

Mitcheldean has good bus services. Buses 24/24a, 25, 33, and 746 connect the town to many places. You can travel to Hereford, Gloucester, Cinderford, Coleford, Ross-on-Wye, Lydney, and Chepstow.

Long ago, Mitcheldean had a train station. It was called Mitcheldean Road railway station. This station closed in 1964. It was actually quite far from the town, almost two miles away. The closest station was really Longhope railway station. Today, the nearest train station is Gloucester railway station. Another option is Ledbury railway station.

Local Government in Mitcheldean

Mitcheldean is the largest part of the 'Mitcheldean and Drybrook' electoral ward. An electoral ward is an area that elects local representatives. This ward starts in Mitcheldean and goes southwest to Drybrook. In 2011, about 4,607 people lived in this whole ward.

Things to Do in Mitcheldean

The town centre has many shops. You can find a Co-operative store and a butcher. There are also three hairdressers, a pharmacy, and a florist. If you're hungry, there are three fast food places.

Mitcheldean also has a community library. There is a doctor's surgery for healthcare. You can find two pubs in the town. The Mews area has a Brewery bar/pub and a separate restaurant. The historic Mitcheldean Town Hall was finished in 1710.

Church of St Michael

BrassWivesOfThomasBaynhamMicheldean
Monumental brass of wives of Sir Thomas Baynham (d.1499–1500), Church of St Michael, Mitcheldean

The town's rich history is clear in its old buildings. The Church of St Michael is a great example. It shows how important and wealthy Mitcheldean once was.

Schools in Mitcheldean

Mitcheldean has a secondary school called Dene Magna School. This school has done very well in inspections since 2001. It also has a sixth form for older students. They can study A-levels at a second campus in Cinderford. This campus is shared with GlosCol.

Other choices for Year 12 students include Gloucestershire College. There are also Newent Community School and Forest Highschool in Cinderford. Students can also go to a Sixth Form Centre in Newent. Other options are John Kyrle High School in Ross-on-Wye or Monmouth Comprehensive School in Monmouth. Some students choose grammar school sixth forms in Gloucester. Besides the secondary school, Mitcheldean also has a primary school. About 200 children attend the primary school.

Local Media

You can watch local news on BBC West Midlands and ITV Central. Television signals come from the Ridge Hill transmitting station. For radio, you can listen to BBC Radio Gloucestershire on 104.7 FM. Heart West is on 102.4 FM. Greatest Hits Radio South West is on 107.5 FM. Dean Radio is a local community station on 95.7 FM. The local newspaper for the town is called The Forester.

Sports: Football

Mitcheldean has two men's football teams. They play in the North Gloucestershire Association Football League. The town also has a Ladies team. There is a youth section too, with teams for ages 9-15. These youth teams play in the Severn Valley youth football league.

See also

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