The East Cloister Project

First phase of a bold ten-year conservation programme

Gloucester Cathedral is embarking on a bold ten-year conservation programme, beginning with essential repairs to the East Walk, a vital part of one of the Cathedral’s most historically significant spaces.

Read on for more information about the project and donate today to join a community of supporters that are helping to protect our beautiful Cloister.

Click here to donate to the Great Cloister Project

The Great Cloister is home to the world's earliest known example of fan vaulting

The significance of the Great Cloister architecture

This remarkable 14th-century space is home to the world’s earliest known fan vaulting, a breakthrough in Gothic architecture that began right here in Gloucester.

Its soaring, cone-shaped vaults, crafted with extraordinary skill by medieval stonemasons, represent a pivotal moment in architectural history. The techniques developed here went on to inspire other great buildings, securing Gloucester’s place as the birthplace of Perpendicular Gothic design.

Now famous as the Hogwarts corridors in the Harry Potter films, the Cloister still offers a place for reflection and wonder.

Time has taken its toll...

A 2019 inspection revealed serious damage caused by outdated cement repairs, which are trapping moisture and accelerating stone decay. The roof is compromised by cracked concrete, allowing water to seep into the structure, while several stained glass panels are warped and in urgent need of restoration.

What the work will involve

Phase One will focus on five bays in the East Walk, including: careful repairs to the roof, stonework, stained glass and rainwater systems.

We will draw on expertise gained during the successful North Nave restoration, a near five-year project that not only revived a key part of the Cathedral but also trained new stonemason apprentices.

How you can support - the Stonemasons' Circle

Become a part of the Stonemasons' Circle and play a vital role in preserving our incredible heritage, safeguarding essential skills, and inspiring the next generation. As a member, you'll have the unique opportunity to build direct relationships with our expert stonemasons and get exclusive, behind-the-scenes insights into their fascinating work.

Apprentices Hannah and Lucy in the stonemason workshop

The Cathedral is committed to preserving exceptional heritage and developing the next generation of stonemasons and specialists, keeping these essential skills alive.

Apprentices will work with our skilled team to carefully clean and conserve the stonework, removing the cement pointing and replacing with lime mortar, and renewing decayed stone elements.

Senior masons Paul Synan and James Bayliss on the roof of the completed North Nave

This isn’t a job to rush and since much of the work will be taking place indoors and at ground floor level we will be able to show visitors both the exceptional architecture and human skill and care up close.

Read more about the Stonemasons' Circle

If you are interested in finding out more at the Stonemasons' Circle and supporting our vital work, please email development@gloucestercathedral.org.uk or call us on 01452 528095

How you can support - Stone Carving Festival

This August Bank Holiday 2025, Gloucester Cathedral is hosting its first Stone Carving Festival: a celebration of craft and skill, where visitors can see heritage in action. Watch apprentices, master masons and talented newcomers alike bring stone to life before your eyes

All are welcome. More details on the event can be found here. Proceeds are going to the Cathedral's Cloister Project which aims to protect and conserve the Cathedral's beautiful 14th century medieval Cloister.

The stones carved during the Festival will be auctioned online following the event. Keep an eye on our website for more details closer to the time!

Other ways to support