Gloucester Cathedral, December 2023

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Work started on the present building of Gloucester Cathedral in 1089, although there had been a religious prescence on the site since approximately 679. The cathedral was a medieval abbey and many abbey building remain in situ around the cathedral, although most of these now belong to a boys private school known as King's. During the Reformation the abbey was destroyed and rededicated as a cathedral.

Gloucester is well known for its medieval glass, especially the large East Window. Unfortunately the monks then built the Lady Chapel at the east end, meaning the lower half of this window is very poorly illuminated. There were also a few instances where a flying buttress blocked the light, however these were both c19 windows and I'm unsure if these were originally stained glass or plain glazing.

work in progress
-all photos uploaded
-alt captions to be edited
-regular captions to be edited
-further descriptive text to be added

the cloisters

The cloisters were my favourite part of the building. The low windows allow you to get up close to each panel and make out every detail. Some of the Gothic Revival paint-work was truly remarkable, particularly that over the old handwashing trough on the north side of the cloisters.

north side of cloisters, near trough

An image of a stained glass window. It depicts a red sun setting over the sea, with stars in the sky. A flock of seabirds are flying in front

1. Birds over sea

An image of a stained glass window. It depcits a landscape with mountains, trees and a waterfall flowing through the centre of the piece

2. Landscape

3. Jesus walking on water

4. Jesus washing feet

5. The ceiling above (4)

6. The setting of (4) in the trough alcove.

The last three photos hopefully give a sense of the location of these panels, tucked away in the alcove where the trough is. Beautiful details but it wasn't entirely clear who the artist was based on information in the guidebook. Possibly Hardman and Co.?