Gloucester Cathedral

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The interior of Gloucester Cathedral cloisters, England, begun 1337.

Gloucester Cathedral: cloisters

Gloucester Cathedral

cathedral, Gloucester, England, United Kingdom

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July 23, 2026

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The interior of Gloucester Cathedral cloisters, England, begun 1337.

Gloucester Cathedral, originally the Abbey of St. Peter, is located in Gloucestershire, England. Its origins trace back to 681 CE, with the present building dedicated in 1100. The abbey was dissolved in the 16th century, and the site became a bishopric in 1541. The cathedral is a significant example of Norman architecture, with later additions and restorations throughout its history. It is a mother church of the Anglican Communion and a significant historical and architectural landmark in England.12

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Gloucester
Although the cathedral originated in the abbey of 681, the present building was dedicated in 1100. The abbey was disbanded during the dissolution of the monasteries (1536–39) under Henry VIII but became the seat of a bishopric in 1541.
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Although the cathedral originated in the abbey of 681, the present building was dedicated in 1100. The abbey was disbanded during the dissolution of the monasteries (1536–39) under Henry VIII but became the seat of a bishopric in 1541.
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Western architecture
High Gothic
…is probably the choir of Gloucester Cathedral (begun soon after 1330). Other major monuments were St. Stephen’s Chapel, Westminster (begun 1292 but now mostly destroyed) and York Minster nave (begun 1291).
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…is probably the choir of Gloucester Cathedral (begun soon after 1330). Other major monuments were St. Stephen’s Chapel, Westminster (begun 1292 but now mostly destroyed) and York Minster nave (begun 1291).
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Western sculpture
High Gothic
…however, in buildings such as Gloucester Cathedral Choir (begun soon after 1330), where the effect depends on traceried panels, is virtually nonexistent; and the “leaves of Southwell” were succeeded almost at once by an extremely dull form of foliage commonly known as “bubbleleaf,” which remained more or less standard for…
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…however, in buildings such as Gloucester Cathedral Choir (begun soon after 1330), where the effect depends on traceried panels, is virtually nonexistent; and the “leaves of Southwell” were succeeded almost at once by an extremely dull form of foliage commonly known as “bubbleleaf,” which remained more or less standard for…
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slype
In Gloucester Cathedral (begun in 1029), the slype lies at the western terminus of the nave.
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In Gloucester Cathedral (begun in 1029), the slype lies at the western terminus of the nave.
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carrel
…carrels in the cloister of Gloucester cathedral (formerly Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter) represent the most complete series of carrels in existence. Built as an integral part of the cloister in 1381–1412, there are 20 of them, two to each bay, divided by short partition walls, lighted by the cloister…
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…carrels in the cloister of Gloucester cathedral (formerly Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter) represent the most complete series of carrels in existence. Built as an integral part of the cloister in 1381–1412, there are 20 of them, two to each bay, divided by short partition walls, lighted by the cloister…
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