Gloucester Cathedral
 Cathedrals |
The most glorious site in Gloucester is its cathedral, one of the most beautiful buildings in Britain. Constructionon the building began in 1089 which replaced an earlier abbey, and the Norman core of the building was not completed until 1260. The Cathedral was beautified during the later medieval period and the magnificent pinnacled tower was added in the 15 th century. The Norman nave is 174 ft long and is lined with colossal pillars supporting Romanesque triforium and clerestory. Two of the west bays in the nave date from 1421. The transepts and choir were remodelled in the mid 14 th century to house the tomb of the murdered King Edward II. They are amongst the earliest examples of Perpendicular architecture. King Edward was murdered at nearby Berkeley Castle in 1327 by his queen and her lover.
The choir is dominated by the huge east window which, measuring 72ft x 38ft, is the largest stained-glass window in Britain, It depicts the Coronation of the Virgin Mary and was created as a memorial to those who died at the Battle of Crecy in 1346. The 14 th century cloisters are perhaps the most perfect in Britain. Their inspired craftsmanship has given us exquisite fan vaulting with delicate tracery of the highest order. Apart from Edward II, lying in his elaborately carved alabaster tomb, King Osric, who founded the earlier abbey in 681, and Robert, Duke of Normandy and the son of William the Conqueror, dating from 1134, also lie in state.
An fantastic view of the 225ft cathedral tower can be had from the cloister garden. This bell tower contains the heaviest medieval bell in the land. An exhibition shows the complete history of Gloucester Cathedral.
For further information see http://www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk/