Robert Raikes's House – Historic Merchant's House and Pub in Gloucester
Step into history at Robert Raikes's House, a beautifully restored 16th-century merchant’s home turned charming pub in the heart of Gloucester.
Robert Raikes's House is a striking timber-framed building dating back to 1560, located at 36-38 Southgate Street, Gloucester. Originally built as a merchant's house, it became the home and printing office of Robert Raikes, founder of the Sunday School movement, who published the Gloucester Journal here from 1758. Today, it operates as a Samuel Smith’s pub with seven characterful rooms and a charming courtyard beer garden, blending rich history with a welcoming atmosphere.
A brief summary to Robert Raikes's House
- 36-38 Southgate St, Gloucester, GL1 2DR, GB
- +441452526685
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-11 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-11 pm
- Friday 12 pm-11 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-11 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-11 pm
Local tips
- Visit the courtyard beer garden for a peaceful break surrounded by historic architecture.
- Try traditional Samuel Smith’s ales to complement the authentic pub atmosphere.
- Explore the nearby St Mary de Crypt Church to deepen your understanding of Gloucester’s heritage.
- Ask staff about the building’s history and Robert Raikes’s role in the Sunday School movement.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Stagecoach West bus routes 7 or 8 from Gloucester Bus Station to Southgate Street, with a journey time of approximately 10-15 minutes. Buses run frequently but check schedules for evening services. A single fare costs around £2.50 GBP.
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Train and Walk
From Gloucester Railway Station, it is a 20-minute walk to Robert Raikes's House via city streets with mostly flat terrain. The walk is suitable for most travelers and offers views of the historic city centre.
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Taxi
Local taxis from Gloucester Railway Station to Robert Raikes's House take about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic, costing approximately £6-£10 GBP. Taxis are readily available outside the station.
Robert Raikes's House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Robert Raikes's House
Architectural Heritage and Origins
Robert Raikes's House stands as a remarkable example of a late 16th-century merchant's house, constructed in 1560. Its timber-framed façade and ornamental panelling reflect the craftsmanship of the period, making it one of Gloucester’s notable historic buildings. The structure includes a 12th-century tunnel-vaulted undercroft supported by Norman pillars, originally used as fireproof storage for goods, now repurposed as a bar space known as the Monks Retreat. This blend of medieval and Tudor features offers a tangible connection to Gloucester’s commercial past.Robert Raikes and the Sunday School Movement
The house is famously associated with Robert Raikes, who moved his printing office here in 1758 from Blackfriars. Raikes was a pioneering social reformer who founded the Sunday School movement, aiming to provide education to working children on their only day off. He published the Gloucester Journal newspaper from this location, which became a vital platform for his educational and social campaigns. The garden behind the house served as an outdoor classroom for Raikes’s ‘Ragged Army’ of scholars, highlighting the building’s role in early educational reform.Transformation into a Pub and Modern Revival
After remaining a merchant’s house and shop for many years, the building was converted into the Golden Cross pub by Samuel Smith’s Brewery in 1975. Despite a mixed reputation in the following decades, it underwent a significant £4.5 million refurbishment completed in 2008, restoring its historic features and enhancing its character. Today, Robert Raikes's House is a vibrant pub offering seven distinct rooms and a delightful courtyard beer garden, serving food throughout the day and preserving the ambiance of its storied past.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
Visitors to Robert Raikes’s House can enjoy an immersive experience in a setting steeped in history. The pub’s multiple rooms each offer unique atmospheres, from cozy timber-framed interiors to the lively courtyard garden. The historic architecture combined with traditional Samuel Smith’s ales and hearty food creates a welcoming environment for both locals and tourists. The proximity to St Mary de Crypt Church adds to the cultural richness of the location.Historical Significance and Preservation
The building’s preservation as a public house ensures that Gloucester’s heritage remains accessible. Its connection to Robert Raikes and the Sunday School movement marks it as a site of social and educational importance. The careful restoration work respects the building’s original features while adapting it for modern use, making it a living monument to Gloucester’s evolving urban landscape.Legacy and Cultural Context
Robert Raikes’s House is more than a historic building; it is a symbol of community progress and education. The legacy of Raikes’s work resonates through the Sunday Schools that spread across Britain and beyond. The house stands as a testament to the impact one individual can have on society, preserved within the vibrant life of a Gloucester pub that continues to welcome visitors centuries after its construction.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Eastgate viewing chamber
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Visit Cotswolds Online
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Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust
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The Bee Shelter, Hartpury
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Haresfield Topograph
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Sim's Clock
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May Hill
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Walk The Cotswolds
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The Garden at Miserden
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Tewkesbury Abbey
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World Walks (inc. Cotswold Journeys, British & Irish Walks)
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Cotswold Journeys
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Explore the enchanting Cotswolds on expertly crafted walking tours with seamless logistics and charming local stays.
Woodchester Mansion Trust
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Nympsfield Long Barrow
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Unmissable attractions to see
Blackfriars Priory
0.1 km
Explore one of England’s finest medieval Dominican priories, blending rich history, stunning timber architecture, and vibrant modern events in Gloucester.
Greyfriars
0.1 km
Explore Greyfriars in Gloucester, a historical landmark that showcases stunning architecture and rich heritage, perfect for all history lovers.
Eastgate Shopping Centre
0.1 km
A vibrant indoor shopping and community hub in Gloucester’s city centre, blending unique shops, local market charm, and welcoming amenities.
Gloucester Antiques Centre
0.2 km
Explore three floors of antiques and collectibles in Gloucester’s historic Old Judges House, featuring over 40 specialist dealers and a vast range of treasures.
Cathedral Quarter Gloucester
0.2 km
Explore Gloucester’s historic Cathedral Quarter, where ancient streets meet vibrant culture and timeless heritage.
Gloucestershire Arts & Crafts Centre
0.2 km
Discover handmade treasures and creative workshops in the heart of Gloucester, where local artists showcase their craft in a welcoming city-centre space.
Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
0.2 km
Explore over 300 years of Gloucestershire military heritage through immersive exhibits and personal stories at Gloucester’s historic Docks museum.
Museum Of Gloucester
0.2 km
Explore Gloucester’s rich Roman heritage, Victorian charm, and vibrant community spirit at the Museum of Gloucester.
The House Of The Tailor Of Gloucester
0.2 km
Step into Beatrix Potter’s enchanting world at the House of The Tailor of Gloucester, where story and history come alive in a charming museum and shop.
Gloucester Docks
0.3 km
Explore Gloucester Docks, a vibrant Victorian waterfront blending rich maritime history, museums, shopping, dining, and scenic canal views.
Gloucester Cathedral
0.3 km
Explore Gloucester Cathedral’s 1,300 years of history, stunning architecture, royal tombs, and iconic cloisters in the heart of Gloucester.
Folk of Gloucester
0.4 km
Step into Gloucester’s living history at The Folk, a vibrant Tudor museum and community hub celebrating local heritage and culture.
National Waterways Museum Gloucester
0.5 km
Explore 200 years of Britain's waterways heritage with historic vessels, hands-on exhibits, and canal cruises at Gloucester Docks.
St Oswald's Priory
0.5 km
Explore Gloucester’s oldest surviving Saxon monument, where royal history and medieval ruins tell tales of faith and power.
Gloucestershire Revealed
0.7 km
Discover Gloucestershire’s rich heritage through archives, exhibitions, and family history at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub in Gloucester.
Essential places to dine
Tiger's Eye Restaurant
0.1 km
Historic Gloucester’s Tiger's Eye offers interactive Pan-Asian fusion dining with hot rock grilling and a vibrant cocktail bar atmosphere.
Topoly's
0.1 km
Authentic family-run Italian dining in the heart of Gloucester, serving fresh homemade dishes since 1990 in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Aroma
0.2 km
Authentic Indian and Bangladeshi flavors served with impeccable hospitality in the heart of Gloucester’s historic Southgate Street.
The March Hare
0.2 km
A cozy tearoom in Gloucester’s historic Oxbode offering fresh local fare and friendly service from morning to afternoon.
Comfy Pew Cafe Bistro
0.3 km
Cozy, friendly café in Gloucester offering delicious breakfast and lunch with gluten-free and vegan options near the cathedral.
Bangkok Canteen Gloucester
0.3 km
Gloucester’s premier gluten-free Thai restaurant blending authentic flavors with sustainable, locally sourced ingredients in a cozy city-center setting.
Settebello Trattoria
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors with panoramic dockside views at Gloucester’s beloved Settebello Trattoria.
Greek on the Docks
0.3 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and vibrant Mediterranean flavors with stunning waterfront views in the heart of Gloucester Docks.
The Tall Ship
0.4 km
Historic Grade II listed pub in Gloucester Docks offering excellent British food, great beer, live music, and a lively social atmosphere.
The Barge
0.4 km
A cozy family-run spot in Gloucester Docks serving hearty English classics with a welcoming bring-your-own-drinks policy.
Sebz
0.4 km
Authentic Mediterranean tapas and vibrant wine bar in Gloucester’s historic Northgate Street, blending fresh flavors with a lively atmosphere.
Bill's Gloucester Quays Restaurant
0.5 km
A relaxed, modern British restaurant at Gloucester Quays, perfect for a post-shopping meal or casual catch-up with friends and family.
Côte Gloucester
0.5 km
Modern French brasserie offering refined cuisine and warm service in Gloucester Quays, now closed but fondly remembered.
Nepalese Chef
0.7 km
Experience authentic Nepalese and Asian fusion cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu in the heart of Gloucester.
The Lock Keepers
1.9 km
A serene riverside restaurant and hotel near Gloucester, offering seasonal dishes, warm service, and cozy accommodation in a charming setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Pilgrims Gloucester
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts and a cosy, atmospheric shopping experience in the heart of historic Gloucester.
L&S Lifestyle
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts and stylish finds in a cozy boutique setting at L&S Lifestyle, Gloucester’s charming gift shop on College Street.
King's Walk
0.3 km
Gloucester’s central shopping destination featuring popular high street brands and convenient dining in a lively city centre setting.
Upstairs Downstairs
0.4 km
Discover Gloucester’s charming antique shop with unique collectibles and a cozy tearoom serving homemade treats.
Chez Rose
0.4 km
Discover unique gifts and shabby chic treasures in a warm, welcoming boutique nestled in Gloucester’s historic Westgate Street.
Gift Company
0.6 km
Discover unique gifts and charming homeware at The Gift Company, nestled in the vibrant Gloucester Quays outlet by the historic docks.
Gloucester Quays
0.7 km
Discover designer bargains and festive charm at Gloucester Quays, a lively waterfront outlet set within historic docks.
Westgate Retail Park
0.7 km
Convenient shopping with free parking and a variety of homeware stores in the heart of Gloucester’s Westgate Street.
Cotswold Creates
5.8 km
Discover unique artisan gifts and handcrafted treasures that capture the heart of the Cotswolds in Gloucester’s welcoming Cotswold Creates.
Willow Hilson Vintage
11.5 km
Authentic vintage fashion from the 1920s to 1960s in a charming Cheltenham boutique with artistic flair and photography studio.
Great British Boutique
11.8 km
Discover unique gifts and quirky homeware in Cheltenham’s welcoming Great British Boutique, where friendly service meets charming finds.
Emporium
11.8 km
Discover unique gifts and a warm welcome at Emporium, Cheltenham’s charming family-run gift shop on Bath Road.
Vinegar Hill
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Adana Collective Antiques
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Moonflower Too
13.4 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Café René
0.0 km
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The Drunken Duck
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Our House Bar
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A vibrant cocktail and wine bar in Gloucester Docks offering curated drinks and a welcoming atmosphere for memorable nights out.
The Sword Inn Gloucester
0.2 km
Historic Gloucester pub blending tradition, community spirit, and lively sports in a welcoming city centre setting.
The Fountain Inn
0.2 km
Charming Grade II listed pub in Gloucester’s city centre offering real ales, hearty British fare, and a cozy historic atmosphere with garden and function rooms.
Elbien Soe Bar
0.3 km
Discover Gloucester’s vibrant grill and bar scene at Elbien Soe Bar, where flavorful dishes meet a lively, welcoming atmosphere 24/7.
The Abbey
0.3 km
A vibrant Gloucester bar famed for its bottomless brunch, friendly service, and lively social atmosphere in the city centre.
The Turks Head Inn
0.3 km
A welcoming traditional pub in Gloucester’s heart, famed for its excellent cask ales and friendly local atmosphere.
The Pelican Inn (Wye Valley)
0.5 km
Historic Gloucester pub famed for award-winning real ales, lively events, and a warm, authentic British atmosphere.
TANK
0.5 km
Discover Gloucester’s premier craft beer bar with a lively atmosphere, local brews, stonebaked pizzas, and a welcoming beer garden in the historic docks.
Brewhouse & Kitchen - Gloucester Quays
0.6 km
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Deans Walk Inn
0.6 km
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The Heritage
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Devoted Deluxe - Mobile Bar Hire
0.8 km
Elegant mobile bar hire in Gloucester delivering bespoke cocktails and personalized service for every special occasion.
One Eyed Jacks
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Jax Nightclub Gloucester
0.3 km
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Bar Fever Gloucester
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ATIK Gloucester
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Under the Prom
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Thirteen Degrees
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Cheltenham’s late-night hotspot for dancing, cocktails, and private events in a central urban setting.
Home and Botanic Nightclub
12.1 km
Historic charm meets vibrant nightlife at Cheltenham’s Home and Botanic, a multi-room club offering cocktails, live piano, DJs, and unforgettable nights.
Popworld - Cheltenham
12.3 km
Cheltenham’s lively late-night hotspot where cheesy pop tunes and creative cocktails fuel unforgettable party nights.
MooMoo Clubrooms Cheltenham
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Experience Cheltenham’s vibrant nightlife with dynamic music, VIP vibes, and late-night energy at MooMoo Clubrooms.
The 21 Club
12.4 km
Experience Cheltenham’s vibrant nightlife at The 21 Club, where music, dancing, and great drinks create unforgettable nights.
Coco
12.4 km
Cheltenham’s underground hotspot for vibrant nightlife, top DJs, and creative cocktails in a lively basement setting.
2 PIGS
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Trio Nightclub
13.5 km
Experience Stroud’s vibrant nightlife at Trio Nightclub, where music, dancing, and energetic vibes light up weekend nights.
Capones
21.6 km
Historic nightclub in Dursley with legendary ties to Al Capone, offering vibrant weekend nightlife and pulsating music.
ReVA Nightclub
25.3 km
Cirencester’s largest nightclub offering electrifying music, stylish cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
The Club, Monmouth
32.5 km
Discover the heart of Monmouth's pub culture at The Club, where great food, drinks, and sports come together for an unforgettable experience.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
