Cheltenham Then & Now
By: Sue Robotham & Jill Waller
Many of you will recall the review last year of Darrell Kirby’s fine book on Gloucester Then and Now. This companion volume on Cheltenham is equal in quality and reminds us how different the close neighbours are.

Cheltenham Then & Now is a superb collection photographs of the town, compiled by Sue Rowbotham and Jill Waller. Scenes of yesteryear are contrasted with modern colour views to show what has been lost and what remains. This book offers an insight into people’s daily lives and living conditions in the town, and the nature of the photographs and the authors’ informative captions show the sometimes drastic changes which have taken place in the name of progress. Drawing on detailed local knowledge of the community and illustrated with a wealth of fascinating images, this book recalls what has changed in Cheltenham in terms of buildings, traditions and ways of life. The Plough Hotel contrasts with The Regent Arcade and The Montpellier Baths with The Playhouse but the The Promenade remains somewhat unchanged. Great old images and carefully taken large new ones make this an appealing read.