Gloucester Cathedral secures grant to protect world's oldest fan-vaulted cloisters
The £250,000 grant from the Wolfson Foundation will help conserve the medieval architecture
Gloucester Cathedral has secured a £250,000 grant to help conserve its iconic cloisters, one of the most important examples of medieval architecture in the world.
The funding from the Wolfson Foundation will support the next phase of a 12-year project to protect the cloisters, which were built between 1351 and 1412.
The Great Cloister attracts more than 300,000 visitors to Gloucester Cathedral each year.
Decades of weathering, alongside inappropriate repairs carried out during the 19th and 20th centuries, have left sections of the medieval stonework vulnerable to deterioration.
The project will conserve the historic masonry, replace failing roof structures, improve rainwater management and restore historic stained glass.
The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester, said:
"We are incredibly grateful to the Wolfson Foundation for its generous support. This funding marks a significant milestone in securing the future of one of the world's most remarkable medieval buildings.
"The Great Cloister is not only a masterpiece of architecture but also a living and sacred space where people gather to worship, learn and connect. This investment enables us to protect that heritage while inspiring future generations through conservation, craftsmanship and public engagement."
Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said:
"It is a delight to be able to support the Great Cloister, one of the glories of medieval architecture. In addition to the wonders of the stonework and fan vaulting, the project also supports the ongoing development of vital conservation skills through the Cathedral's imaginative apprenticeship and specialist training programmes. It will allow current and future generations to be inspired anew by this remarkable space.”