My current work engagement is coming to an end, so I took the chance tonight to visit Gloucester city and do a little sight-seeing.
Gloucester is close to the Welsh border and it is located on the Eastern bank of the River Severn. The city of Gloucester has been an important centre since the time of the Roman occupation; it was one of four known cities with colonia status (the other three cities being Colchester, Lincoln and York).
The most famous sight at Gloucester is of course the Cathedral. The beautiful Cathedral was one of the filming locations for Harry Potter - it was part of the Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!! The taxi drivers love to point out the fact. I have it almost every single time! :-)
Another connection that attracts many visitors from the United States is that the cathedral is the burial place of John Stafford-Smith, the man who composed the American national anthem.
The Cathedral is about 900 years old. It has a notable building of its period as it demonstrated a range of architectural experimentation. The cloisters feature the world's first fan vaulting and lierne vaulting. It also has one of the largest medieval stained glass windows in England.
Historically, it is also an important building. It survived the Dissolution thanks to its historical connection with the monarchy. It was from this church that William I ordered the Domesday Book.
I visited the Cathedral during the Evening Song session. The Choir is really superb and it is complimented by the outstanding acoustics of the Cathedral. Last couple of weeks was particularly stressful for me. I sat in the Cathedral for about 45 minutes and listened to the music. I felt much better when I walked out.
At the exit, I learnt about the Cathedral Choir. The Choir belongs to the King's School, which adjoins the Cathedral. It started initially a Choir School. It was established by Henry VIII and it is one of the seven famous Cathedral Schools established by Henry VIII in 1541. Each year, 25 choristers/ school boys are the lucky recipient of a generous scholarship to attend the King's School, which is now a very prestigious independent school. The school is now co-educational, but only boys can compete for the places at the choir.
Another interesting note: pupils from King’s School were used as extras for some of the Harry Potter movies. Talk about child labour! :-)
The rest of the city itself is pretty small. There are many medieval and Tudor period gabled and half timbered houses right in the city centre, but the style if not consistent. So you will often find a building from the 70s' situated right next to an old one.
All shops close at 5pm. If you are wandering around the city centre, you can't even find food easily! I came into the city for dinner a few times over the past weeks, so I went to an Italian restaurant.
The Perpendicular Gothic central tower. As with any other Cathedral, some part of the building must be under restoration at any one time!
The South Porch to the Cathedral
The beautiful cloisters in the Harry Potter film is behind this building.
From the West
A Norman Nave with Early English vault. The Cathedral Choir was practising in behind the Screen, in the Quire. The acoustic was simply amazing.
To the left of the photo, there is an magnificent effigy. It belongs to Thomas Seabroke, who was Abbot of Gloucester Abbey from 1450 to 1457.
For more information:
Gloucester Cathedral
http://www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk/
The King's School
http://www.thekingsschool.co.uk/
Gloucester is close to the Welsh border and it is located on the Eastern bank of the River Severn. The city of Gloucester has been an important centre since the time of the Roman occupation; it was one of four known cities with colonia status (the other three cities being Colchester, Lincoln and York).
The most famous sight at Gloucester is of course the Cathedral. The beautiful Cathedral was one of the filming locations for Harry Potter - it was part of the Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!! The taxi drivers love to point out the fact. I have it almost every single time! :-)
Another connection that attracts many visitors from the United States is that the cathedral is the burial place of John Stafford-Smith, the man who composed the American national anthem.
The Cathedral is about 900 years old. It has a notable building of its period as it demonstrated a range of architectural experimentation. The cloisters feature the world's first fan vaulting and lierne vaulting. It also has one of the largest medieval stained glass windows in England.
Historically, it is also an important building. It survived the Dissolution thanks to its historical connection with the monarchy. It was from this church that William I ordered the Domesday Book.
I visited the Cathedral during the Evening Song session. The Choir is really superb and it is complimented by the outstanding acoustics of the Cathedral. Last couple of weeks was particularly stressful for me. I sat in the Cathedral for about 45 minutes and listened to the music. I felt much better when I walked out.
At the exit, I learnt about the Cathedral Choir. The Choir belongs to the King's School, which adjoins the Cathedral. It started initially a Choir School. It was established by Henry VIII and it is one of the seven famous Cathedral Schools established by Henry VIII in 1541. Each year, 25 choristers/ school boys are the lucky recipient of a generous scholarship to attend the King's School, which is now a very prestigious independent school. The school is now co-educational, but only boys can compete for the places at the choir.
Another interesting note: pupils from King’s School were used as extras for some of the Harry Potter movies. Talk about child labour! :-)
The rest of the city itself is pretty small. There are many medieval and Tudor period gabled and half timbered houses right in the city centre, but the style if not consistent. So you will often find a building from the 70s' situated right next to an old one.
All shops close at 5pm. If you are wandering around the city centre, you can't even find food easily! I came into the city for dinner a few times over the past weeks, so I went to an Italian restaurant.
The Perpendicular Gothic central tower. As with any other Cathedral, some part of the building must be under restoration at any one time!
The South Porch to the Cathedral
The beautiful cloisters in the Harry Potter film is behind this building.
From the West
A Norman Nave with Early English vault. The Cathedral Choir was practising in behind the Screen, in the Quire. The acoustic was simply amazing.
To the left of the photo, there is an magnificent effigy. It belongs to Thomas Seabroke, who was Abbot of Gloucester Abbey from 1450 to 1457. For more information:
Gloucester Cathedral
http://www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk/
The King's School
http://www.thekingsschool.co.uk/
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