Backstage in the Gage at the Dean Heritage Centre
Wednesday 16 July 2025
Discover the Forest Poetess
Come and explore a remarkable recent discovery – an original poetry manuscript handwritten by Catherine Drew, affectionately known as the “Forest Poetess”. Born near Gunns Mill in 1784, Catherine defied limited formal education to produce moving poetry about the Forest of Dean and contemporary events of her time.
Visitors are invited to join an informal session in the Gage Collections Room at the Dean Heritage Centre, where a member of the collections team will deliver short talks on a selection of fascinating objects rarely seen by the public. This is a unique chance to engage up close with artefacts from the centre’s stores and hear the stories behind them.
The team will be on hand to chat, share insights, and answer questions in a relaxed setting—perfect for those who love local history, poetry, and hidden treasures.
OTHER EVENTS
