Discover Glorious Gloucestershire
Unveiling the Charm of Gloucestershire
Delve into the true soul of Gloucestershire for a surprising, heartwarming and joyful journey full of untold stories and hidden gems
About the Book
Glorious Gloucestershire Book
Did you know that Sir Peter Scott was named after Peter Pan, a Stroud man invented instant custard and why there is a Cotswold Manor House that looks exactly like the Palace of Westminster? Gloucestershire has been at the forefront of world changing innovation, has inspired great works of literature and even has its own rhyming slang.
Join me on a joyful journey exploring the Gloucester streets that gave us Scrooge and Long John Silver, find out where classic TV and movie scenes were filmed and feast on delicious nuggets about royalty, rock stars and rugby legends. Walk with me to London in the footsteps of Dick Whittington, find out more about Gloucestershire’s quirky place names and fly over the county on Christmas Eve with Santa.
This book encapsulates all I have learned and shared over the years with thousands of inquisitive, funny, informative listeners. After spending thirty years broadcasting with BBC Radio Gloucestershire, this is my love letter to the county I adore.





“Brilliant, clever book. Mark Cummings gets it. He understands fully the essence and soul of Gloucestershire and he truly loves it! He is one of us.” Jack Russell MBE – England Cricketer and Artist.”
“I never knew my home county had so many amazing claims to fame. I will enjoy testing friends and family with the 100 local quiz questions. I can’t wait to take Mark’s advice on how to squeeze every drop out of Gloucestershire.” – Eddie The Eagle Edwards – Olympian
“I have loved reading about all the legendary characters who have invented, inspired and left amazing legacies. I’m thrilled my dad features amongst many others who have dedicated themselves to keeping Gloucestershire’s treasures and traditions thriving.” – Adam Henson – Countryfile Presenter
“A wonderful mixture of history, folklore and local characters. No Gloucestershire home should be without it.” – Katie Fforde – Bestselling Novelist
“Mark writes just as he broadcasts with humour and warmth, telling stories about the writers and musicians who have been inspired by our county. I was surprised and intrigued by the stories about Rick Astley, Ivor Novello, Charlie Watts and even Kylie Minogue! Who knew?” – Mike d’Abo – Singer, songwriter, former lead singer of Manfred Mann and composer of Handbags and Gladrags and Build Me Up Buttercup
“I couldn’t wait for Glorious Gloucestershire to be published! I learned so much from Mark’s uniquely well-informed, all-encompassing and loving look at the matchless Cotswolds” – Pam Ayres – Poet
Upcoming Events
Online Winter Warmer
Streaming now until 6th March. Mark and other authors at Gloucester History Festival. To watch go to the Gloucester History Festival website.

The Cheltenham Travel Festival.
Mark is a guest speaker at this event, full of stories to inspire your next trip. Book your free tickets here.
Saturday 22 February 10 am to 4pm at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Author In Conversation Event With The First Thursday Painswick Club.
Billed as “inspirational evenings with esteemed writers and fellow book lovers, First Thursday aims to build a community and create connections through the shared love of reading, writing and storytelling”. Come and meet Mark who will sign your book, and have a glass of wine with fellow book lovers. Visit the First Thursday website and book tickets here.
Thursday 3 April at The Painswick Centre.

Other exciting Forthcoming appearances and events:
Book signing and in conversation with Jo Durrant – Mark’s book Glorious Gloucestershire.
Thursday 22 May at 7.30pm Museum in the Park in Stroud
Stow-on-the-Wold WI Rally at St Edwards Hall. Thursday 11 September 12.30pm
Quiz night and book signing. Saturday 4 October at Huntley Village Hall
Quiz night and book signing. Monday 6 October with Newent Wine Circle
Watch this space
Details of more events coming soon.
More events coming soon
Details of more events coming soon
Past Signing Events
Stroud Book Festival
6th November 2024
Mark opened the Festival with a Quiz Night at The Subscription Rooms.

Glorious Gloucestershire
26th October 2024

Tewkesbury Abbey Spectacular
19th October 2024
Mark opened the event and signed copies of his book in the interval.

Gloucester Day
7th September 2024

Gloucester History Festival
20th September 2024

Cheltenham Literature Festival
The Forum – 8th October
