Mitcheldean

Church of St Michael and All Angels, Mitcheldean

Mitcheldean is a small town in the east of the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England.

History

Mitcheldean was a thriving community for many centuries due to the town's proximity to iron ore deposits. During the 19th century, the town grew due to revenues produced by the local brewing industry, while in the 20th century the town grew further due to the Rank Xerox photocopier factory. Although this industry significantly declined during the latter half of the 20th century, much of the former Rank Xerox site (now Vantage Point Business Village) is now occupied by small businesses, new manufacturing and distribution businesses.

Amenities

There are several shops in the centre of the town, including a post office, a new larger Co-operative store, a butcher, a greengrocer, a hairdresser, a pharmacy, a florist and several fast food outlets serving Chinese food, fish and chips, and pizza. There are also a library, a surgery, a town hall and three pubs, although the George inn is currently closed.

Church of St Michael

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

Mitcheldean's wealthy tradition is evident in some of its buildings in the town centre, particularly the church of St. Michael.

Schools

The town has a secondary school, Dene Magna Community School, which has performed consistently well since 1995. The school does not have a sixth form, so Year 12 students have to go to either the Royal Forest of Dean College near Coleford, Gloscat in Gloucester, Newent or one of the grammar school-based sixth forms in Gloucester. As well as a secondary school, Mitcheldean has a primary school of about 250 children.

Housing developments

A new housing estate was completed in 2008 and construction of a second estate has been put on hold.

Football teams

There is a football club with three teams, also a ladies' team and several youth teams.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Mitcheldean

• Mitcheldean
• Photos of Mitcheldean and surrounding area on Geograph
• Mitcheldean Soap
• The Churches of St. Michael and All Angels, Mitcheldean; St. Michael, Abenhall ; and St. AEthelbert, Little Dean, by J. H. Middleton. Published in: Transactions of the Bristol & Gloucestershire Archaeological Society, Vol.6, 1881-2, pp.269-279

Coordinates: 51°52′N 2°29′W / 51.867°N 2.483°W / 51.867; -2.483

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