Hundreds gather at Lord Bathurst's estate to protest at first entry fees in 300 years from vista valley Watch Video

⏲ Duration: 2:8
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✓ Published: 17-Mar-2024

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Hundreds of protestors have gathered for a mass trespass demonstration after a historic park introduced entry fees for the first time in 326 years.<br/><br/>Cirencester Park in Gloucestershire has been owned by the Bathurst family since 1695 and has always been free for the public to enter.<br/><br/>But Lord Bathurst - a close friend of King Charles who lives nearby in Tetbury - claims he now needs to introduce charges to pay for the upkeep of the 3,000-acre estate.<br/><br/>Electric gates have been installed on the four main entry points requiring a pass to enter or a fee of £4 a day. Regular visitors can pay £30 for an annual pass.<br/><br/>Access will be free to anyone living in the local GL7 postcode but a £10 deposit will be charged for the entry card.<br/><br/>The plans have angered many local residents, who have enjoyed unrestricted access to the open space around the town for generations.<br/><br/>On Sunday (March 17) hundreds of protesters gathered on the estate grounds for a \