Last summer, when I found myself in the Cotswolds, I made a point to visit Gloucester Cathedral. Having lived in York for many years and adoring the York Minster, and also loving the beauty that is Peterborough Cathedral, I absolutely love visiting an old cathedral.
The first holy building at the site was an abbey dedicated to St Peter in 678. Proper construction on the Cathedral started in 1058. The crypt is one of the four apsidal cathedral crypts in England, the others being at Worcester, Winchester and Canterbury.
The most notable monument is the canopied shrine of Edward II of England who was murdered at nearby Berkeley Castle in 1327. The building and sanctuary were enriched by the visits of pilgrims to this shrine. In a side-chapel is a monument of Robert Curthose, eldest son of William the Conqueror and a great benefactor of the abbey. It was the site of the coronation of Henry III on 28 October 1216.
One of the most recognisable aspects of Gloucester Cathedral are the cloisters with the vaulted fan roofs. Harry Potter fans will recognise them as the hallways of Hogwarts. But the cloisters are a very popular filming location. Doctor Who, The Hollow Crown, Wolf Hall, Sherlock and Mary Queen of Scots have all been filmed here (just to name a few).
Gloucester Cathedral is located at 12 College Grn, Gloucester GL1 2LX. There is no visitation fee, but there is a suggested donation of £5 per adult. Visiting hours are Monday – Saturday: 10.00am to 5.00pm and Sunday – 12noon – 5.00pm.
Have you ever visited Gloucester Cathedral?
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