Gloucester Cathedral’s iconic 14th-century Cloister has received a significant investment for its conservation. A generous £40,000 donation from the Headly Trust will contribute to the ongoing Cloister Project, aimed at safeguarding this architectural treasure.
The Cloister, believed to have originated in the 1350s, features the finest example of fan vaulting worldwide. Recognizable from its appearances in popular films and TV shows, including Harry Potter and BBC’s Wolf Hall, the Cloister once served as an integral part of the daily lives of the cathedral’s resident monks.
The Headley Trust’s funding will support various crucial activities, such as the meticulous cleaning of the masonry and the replacement of hard cement pointing with traditional lime-based materials, more suitable for the historical structure. Additionally, damaged stonework will undergo repairs, and any decayed stone will be replaced. The stained glass and leaded-light glazing will also be carefully cleaned and restored.
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This contribution adds to the Headley Trust’s previous assistance in supporting the Cathedral’s stonemason apprenticeships. The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester, expressed gratitude, acknowledging the trust’s continual backing of the Cathedral’s heritage and its workforce, emphasizing the importance of preserving the cathedral’s fabric and investing in the necessary skills and craftsmanship.
Eilidh McIntosh, Head of Fabric and Property, highlighted the essential role of conserving the Cloister in ensuring the Cathedral’s longevity and beauty for future generations. With a team of highly skilled stonemasons and craftspeople, whose careers have been previously aided by the Headley Trust, dedicated to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship, the conservation efforts on the Cloister will continue in the coming months.