Illustration — photo coming soon
Back Badge Square occupies a distinctive corner of Gloucester near the historic Docks, dedicated to the military heritage of the county through the story of the Gloucestershire Regiment.
The square's name comes from a remarkable honour earned by the regiment — they won the right to wear a badge on both the front and back of their headwear after their bravery and vigilance during the Battle of Alexandria in 1801, a distinction you won't find in any other regiment.
The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum is the main reason to visit, and it deserves a couple of hours of your time. The displays of uniforms, medals, and personal accounts bring centuries of regimental history to life in ways that feel immediate rather than distant. The square itself offers a calmer space for reflection, which can be a welcome break if you're spending a full day exploring Gloucester.
The location works well for combining with other attractions — Gloucester Cathedral and the working Docks are both nearby, with restaurants and boat trips available if you want to vary your activities. You could easily spend time at the square and Docks together before heading back to Cheltenham or Stroud for the evening. For anyone interested in local and military history, this is an important stop for understanding something genuinely distinctive about the region.
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