Gloucester Cathedral completes major exterior conservation after five-year project
Gloucester Cathedral Reveals Stunning Restoration of North Elevation
Significant conservation works on the northern side of Gloucester Cathedral have been completed, marking the culmination of a near five-year project. Visitors can now enjoy a refreshed view of the building’s silhouette from the Cathedral grounds.Gloucester Cathedral completes major exterior conservation after five-year project
Decades of weathering had left the area in urgent need of repair, prompting careful integration of new stone to protect the structure. The westernmost pinnacle, the largest and most intricate, required exceptional craftsmanship and is now crowned with four striking grotesques – each designed and carved by senior members of the Cathedral’s stonemasonry team. The project was led by this expert team, with contributions from apprentices who trained and worked alongside them throughout the restoration.
This achievement marks an important chapter in the ongoing conservation of the Cathedral’s historic fabric and showcases the skill, dedication and tradition of its in-house stonemasonry team. Gloucester Cathedral’s stonemasons’ workshop, historically known as the Workshop of St Peter, is one of only a few attached to Cathedrals in England.
Gloucester Cathedral stonemasons Paul and James on northern side of Cathedral
The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester said,
“This project is a wonderful example of the care and dedication that goes into preserving Gloucester Cathedral for future generations. As a place built to the glory of God, it’s a joy to see the building’s beautiful north side fully revealed again, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has made this possible. We hope visitors will enjoy seeing the view of the Cathedral from miles around in all its glory once more.”
With the Cathedral’s Head of Fabric & Property Eilidh McIntosh adding,
“This has been a rewarding project, and I’m so proud of what the team has achieved. It’s taken real skill, patience and teamwork to get to this point, especially from our in-house stonemasons and apprentices, who have brought such care and craftsmanship to every detail.”
Gloucester Cathedral is deeply grateful to all the trusts and foundations whose generous support has made this project possible, with special thanks to the Julia Rausing Trust.
Grotesques on western pinnacle of Gloucester Cathedral
Further restoration work on Gloucester Cathedral’s famous Cloister will begin later this summer. Now known for appearing on screen in film and television, including three of the Harry Potter films and, more recently, BBC’s Wolf Hall, the Cloister once formed the heart of daily life for the monks who lived and worshipped at the Cathedral.
The Great Cloister Project will conserve the fabric of the Cathedral’s beautiful 14th-century Cloister. Visitors will still be able to access this architectural gem throughout the works and will have the opportunity to see heritage skills in action, including masonry, glazing and roofing.
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10 July 2025
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