Gloucester Cathedral

Constructed on the site of an ancient monastery dating back to the 7th century, Gloucester Abbey church was started by the Normans in 1089. Extensive re-building took place in the first half of the 13th century, and between 1330 and 1360 the cathedral was transformed into an architectural gem with Perpendicular style of decorations. The current tower was completed about 1460. After the dissolution of the monastery in 1540 the abbey church was preserved and became a cathedral in the newly created diocese of Gloucester.

In a side-chapel, there is a monument or Robert, duke of Normandy, the eldest son of William the Conqueror, who died in 1134 and was a great benefactor of the abbey.

In 1216 King Henry III was crowned in the Cathedral when he was only nine years old.

The body of Edward II, who was murdered in Berkeley Castle in 1327 was buried in the abbey church and the tomb even today attracts visitors.

Gloucester Cathedral is renowned for the lierne vaulting carved out of the soft white local stone, and for its massive east end window, which retains virtually all of the original medieval glass. Even more impressive are the 14th century fan-vaulted cloisters, which were transformed into interiors at Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter films.

Along the south walk are the monks' study niches set in the wall. The Chapter House is yet another remarkable survival at Gloucester Cathedral, the fabric of the building dating from the 12th century. Sturdy barrel-vault and blank arcading, the architectural trademark of that period, remain at the western end, but the eastern bay was remodelled in the 15th century.