The quiet street of Cromwell Street in Gloucester still carries a heavy weight from its grim history.
Even though the infamous “House of Horrors” where Fred and Rose West committed their terrible crimes was torn down years ago, the emotional scars and stigma linger for the people who live there today.
The Legacy of a Notorious Crime Scene
Between 1967 and 1987, Fred and Rose West murdered at least 12 young women and girls, many of them inside their home at 25 Cromwell Street.
Today, nothing remains but an alleyway leading into Gloucester’s city centre.
But for locals, the horrors of that time still shape how the street is viewed — and experienced.
Residents Feel Forgotten and Stigmatized
Many who live on Cromwell Street say the neighborhood still battles a reputation that’s hard to shake.
Some feel the local authorities haven’t done enough to help the community heal or improve conditions.
Antisocial behaviour and trouble are often linked to the street’s dark past, feeding the negative image.
Moving In Despite the History
Polly Lowthian, 27, moved to Cromwell Street earlier this year.
She lives right next to the alleyway where the Wests’ house once stood. She admits she was hesitant at first.
“If it had happened recently, I probably wouldn’t have moved here,” she says, “but because it was so long ago, I decided to take the chance.”
Still, Polly recognizes the stigma that follows the street.
“People walking by point and say, ‘That’s where Fred West lived.’ It’s a scary story, and that sticks with the area.”
Memories from Someone Who Knew the Family
Another resident, 54, recalls growing up on the street during the time the Wests lived there.
He even knew Fred and Rose’s son, Stephen, who was a childhood friend.
“It was a shock when the truth came out,” he says. “They seemed like a normal family, tight-knit.
We used to play in the street and the park together.”
Stephen West later served a jail sentence for sex offences, but the resident says he suspects Stephen had a tough time behind the scenes.
“I wonder what he went through, being so close to his dad.”
The Impact on Community Spirit
The same resident explains how the street has changed over the decades.
“Back then, these were family homes.
Now most are rented rooms or shared houses, which has hurt the sense of community here.
It feels neglected, with more antisocial behaviour and trouble.”
He hopes authorities will do more to support the people who live in Cromwell Street, who continue to deal with the area’s bad reputation.
Newcomers Discover the History Later
Chrysoula Koutsogranni, 40, has lived on Cromwell Street for four years.
She only learned about the Wests’ crimes after someone came asking questions post-COVID.
“You just don’t know who your neighbors are,” she says. “People can be hiding things right next door.”
Despite the dark history, Chrysoula says she doesn’t feel afraid.
“I have my family nearby, and I don’t worry about walking outside at night. If you keep to yourself, you’re usually fine.”
Local Reactions to Netflix’s Documentary
The recent Netflix documentary Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story has brought the case back into the spotlight with new police footage and recordings.
University students studying veterinary nursing in Gloucester had mixed reactions.
Morgan Dickenson, 22, says the documentary was chilling but well done.
She lives just half a mile from the crime scenes and feels sad that Fred West never stood trial, having taken his own life before justice could be served.
Juliet Dobell, 21, found the documentary fascinating but said life in Gloucester isn’t always easy.
“There’s a lot of fights, arguments, and crime.
We don’t really go out at night because of drunk people and drugs.”
Local Worker Remembers Fred West Before the Horrors
Derek Rees, 73, who has lived and worked in Gloucester his whole life, recalls meeting Fred West before the crimes came to light.
“Fred was a builder and came into the pub where I worked.
My wife thought he was a ‘weird git’ even then.”
He remembers Fred was once acquitted of sexual abuse charges and acted smug about it.
“When the murders came out, I was shocked but not surprised about his bad character.
Gloucester became known for Fred West more than its cathedral.”