village was essentially an island for several days in late July, the only way in or out was via boat or tractor. Water supplies were down for two weeks and the power supply was unreliable. Abloads Court Originally Ablodes Court, meaning the Abbots Lode Court. "The Abbots crossing for the River Seven", a property and site with a history dating back to the 9th century. In 1101 Henry I gave the manor of Abload and Paygrove Wood in exchange for some land in Gloucester on which the Gloucester Castle was built. During the 15th to 17th centuries, this area and what forms a large part of Sandhurst was known as the hamlet of Ablodes. There are many early historical references to the site held by the National Archives. It is now a private home and grounds owned by a publisher and children’s writer. References External links Villages in Gloucestershire Borough of Tewkesbury