Into the Crypt | Gloucester Cathedral

 My trip to Gloucester Cathedral couldn't have worked out better than if I had actually planned it. I showed up to the cathedral without having done any research (which is very unlike me I would like to point out). Turns out I showed up during the cathedral's main art exhibition, and five minutes before a free guided tour of the crypt started. So, I joined the line with no idea what to expect.

Guided tours of the crypt are free, and usually take place every half hour between 11:30 and 2:30. Because of the art exhibition, the my group consisted of about twenty of us, much more than the guides were used to. However, our guide adapted beautifully, mixing just the right amount of information about the art pieces and the crypt's architecture to please everyone in the group. 

Gloucester Cathedral's crypt is one of the only Norman crypt's in the country. Built as the original place of worship in the church, the crypt was used for prayer, funerals, and even as a place to hide treasure during times of conflict. Unfortunately, there isn't much known about the crypt other than the fact it was the first part of the church built. A trip down there is a must for anyone visiting the cathedral!

Happy Saturday!
xoxo

Gloucester Cathedral

The main purpose of my little day trip to Gloucester a couple of weeks ago was to visit Gloucester Cathedral. I had been told Gloucester Cathedral was one of the most impressive cathedrals in the country, and I was not disappointed. 

When  you move to a European country, your view of medieval churches goes through phases like this:

Phase 1 | Wow, this is amazing!

Phase 2 | Wait, they all kind of look the same.

Phase 3 | I'm over this.

Phase 4 | I can now distinguish the different types of medieval architecture, this is amazing again!

I'm currently in Phase 4. I've reached the point of seeing SO many cathedrals and abbeys that I can actually understand the unique and individual beauty of each. Gloucester Cathedral exemplifies English Gothic architecture in a way I had not seen before. 

Construction on the cathedral began in the 11th century and continued for hundreds of years. It is famously the home of Edward II's tomb, and the location of Henry III's coronation. More recently, the cathedral was used as the corridors of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films including that famous scene where "The Chamber of Secrets has been opened, enemies of the heir beware". 

Happy Tuesday!
xoxo

A Day Trip to Gloucester

I've been meaning to visit Gloucester for, well, ages. I finally had a day off and took the opportunity to take the train to nearby Gloucester. Gloucester and Bristol have historically been linked since Norman England. Although located about an hour apart, Bristol had been considered part of Gloucestershire until 1373 when Bristol was officially named it's own county. Gloucester itself was founded in 97CE by the Romans. Geographically, Gloucester was the ideal place to cross the River Severn into Wales, later making it an important Norman and medieval city.

After arriving in Gloucester, I immediately felt like I was back in a small Massachusetts town. Its architecture was an obvious model for New England towns, specifically ones around Boston and Plymouth. I couldn't get over the feeling of being back stateside! The entire city is easy to walk, and even on a quiet week day there was so much to do! I was lucky to catch Gloucester on our last sunny day! Fall has officially arrived here in England and so has the rain!

Happy Friday!
xoxo