The East Cloister Project

Gloucester Cathedral is launching a ten-year conservation programme, starting with essential repairs to the East Walk - the earliest section of this historic corridor. The conservation work begins here, just as construction did hundreds of years ago....

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.

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A 2019 inspection revealed serious damage caused by outdated cement repairs, which are trapping moisture and accelerating stone decay.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.