“A newly arrived curlew and an octopus have been turning heads in Stroud,” she said.
“The curious installations can be found near the four clocks and behind the Sub Rooms.
“However, the town has had a long-standing relationship with more mythical creatures.”
Dragons have adorned Stroud House since 1895, Ms Stevens said, a fact which she has highlighted in her book, Stroud’s Imperial Hotel and its Neighbours.
In it, Ms Stevens delves into the intriguing history of Stroud House and the Imperial Hotel, now known as Stroud Hotel.
The hotel, designed by Benjamin Bucknall, has a rich past, featuring tales of fire, explosion and scandal.
The book, priced at £12, is available from several local outlets and as an e-book for £5.99.
For more information, visit Stroud Local History Society’s website.