Worcester Cathedral Cloisters.

We found ourselves back at Worcester Cathedral at the weekend. Last time, I posted the pictures from the top of the tower, but on this visit, I spent more time in the cloisters.

I readily admit to being biased about Worcester, but the cloisters are particularly tranquil – even when there are dozens of bell-ringers around the place.

Does anyone else see the resemblance to Parsley the Lion from The Herbs in this little chap?

But above all, it’s the windows that have me transfixed…

If you visit Worcester, the cathedral is free to go in. It has the tomb of King John and Prince Arthur (Henry VIII’s elder brother and first husband of Catherine of Aragon) – plus lots more. But don’t miss the cloisters (and the cafe is in the cloisters too!).

❤

Worcester Cathedral.

On Top Of The World

I was born and brought up just a few miles from Worcester, spending a lot of time in and around the cathedral over the years, so for me, it feels like my ‘home’ cathedral.

We were there again a couple of weeks ago, this time to make use of the excellent bell-ringing training centre (a set of dummy bells connected to computers, which enable you to practice ringing whatever you like, without having to have a band around you doing the same thing, and without disturbing people outside).

Don’t worry – that’s enough ringing talk.

While we were up in the tower, we took the opportunity to go right up to the top of the cathedral. I took a few pictures – bravely holding my phone out over the parapets!

Looking down on the Chapter House and the Cloisters…

Looking down the nave to the River Severn…

Looking further up the river – you can just see the Worcester County Cricket Ground on the left…

Looking down river…

The chancel end of the cathedral (and some 1960s monstrosities just beyond)…

Looking down into the city – the tall spire on the left is known as the Glovers’ Needle…

My favourite little bit of Worcester – the old buildings close to the Cathedral and the Gatehouse.

If you find yourself in Worcester, it’s worth knowing that the Refectory cafe is a good place for tea/coffee and light meals – you’ll find it in the cathedrals cloisters (there are very acceptable toilet facilities near there too!).

As with most cathedrals, there’s enough material to fill an entire blog, but my particular favourite ‘must see’ at Worcester, is the tomb of King John. Not an especially nice man by all accounts, but I’ve been in the habit for about forty years of popping along and saying hello to him when I’m there – not that he seems bothered.

History junkies will also want to know that Henry VIII’s elder brother, Prince Arthur is buried in Worcester cathedral – close to King John, in a finely decorated tomb. Can’t help thinking they probably wouldn’t be the best companions in eternity, but perhaps John and Arthur didn’t end up in the same place…

-)O(-