Worcester Cathedral

Worcester is one of England’s most ancient cathedral sites, having been founded as a Priory in 680AD. It occupies an attractive position on the banks of the River Severn and embodies the full range of mediaeval architectural styles, and retains its crypt and cloisters. A visit is a must if you are in the area, combining wonderful architecture, history and music.
The oldest part of the cathedral is the crypt, built in 1084 by the Saxon Bishop St Wulstan. This has ‘cushion’ capitals in the Norman style, and is now used as a chapel. Also from the Norman period are the fine chapter house (1120) and the west bays of the nave (1170). The cathedral was rebuilt into its present form from the early 13^th century onwards, with the fine Early English Gothic Lady Chapel (1224) followed by the Choir (1269). The Nave, along with the eastern range of the cloister and tower were rebuilt 1317 – 1395; the Perpendicular tower is often regarded as one of the most finely proportioned in England. The remaining ranges of the cloister were completed in 1404 – 1438. The Cathedral was substantially restored in the 19^th century, and much of its stained glass dates from this period.
Unusually, the floor of the cathedral is tiled throughout, although the plaster has been stripped from much of the vaulting in the nave and aisles. In contrast, the Choir and Lady Chapel both have exquisitely decorated ceiling vaults. The cathedral contains some notable tombs, including that of King John (d. 1216), who is buried in the choir in front of the altar, and Prince Arthur, Prince of Wales and eldest son of Henry VII (the first husband of Katherine of Aragon, who later married Arthur’s brother, Henry VIII). Arthur’s tomb is contained in a magnificent chantry chapel on the south side of the choir, erected 1502-​04. Other tombs include that of Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin (d. 1947) and a memorial to Sir Edward Elgar (d. 1934 and buried in nearby Great Malvern). The choir stalls also contain a notable set of 14^th century misericords.
The Cathedral provides daily services and is noted for its choirs. Along with Hereford and Gloucester, it hosts the notable Three Choirs Festival. Dating from the 18^th century, it is one of the world’s oldest music festivals, and closely associated with the works of both Elgar and Ralph Vaughan-​Williams.

In this building a king is buried. Wonderful architecture brimming with history. Must visit if in Worcester.

A beautiful cathedral, a littlr gloomy in places but the architecture is fantastic. Do not miss King Johns tomb.

this is the best cathedral in the country by far. every angle and every view has something new to stare at. the work here is amazing and of a superb quality. the people that restore this particular cathedral are excellent crafts people

I love worcester and this is a major tourist stop

A perfect space for quiet meditation. They have a costume exhibition on at the moment which is well worth a visit. Open until 6^th September I believe.

It is place of peace and joy!
Build centuries ago with spirit of medieval times like from old books or movies.
Great place to be with family and friends!!!

I hadn’t visited the Cathedral for the first 15 years I lived here because it’s just not my scene, but when visitors from the USA wanted to go, I accompanied them and I can honestly say I’m an idiot for not realising what an amazing place it is. The crypt (underground) is a sight in itself (though is only open some of the time) and during the summer you can climb the tower to see the whole of Worcestershire and beyond!

A-​MAZ-​ING.
Go. Be you from Tolladine or Toronto, get on a bus and spend a day there (ideally on your own daydreaming in the crypt, and fantasising about following Elizabeth I to her Uncle’s tomb). It is so, so peaceful, so calming, so inspirational, so amazing.

Amazing building with a lovely atmosphere when inside and looks great every time i drive past. Theres lot to look at both inside and out. Got some lovely pictures of it in the snow. Really enjoyd looking around on a cold winters day.
The crypt is very interesting, and is well lit although it feels quite creepy and normally feels very cold!
We didn’t get up to the tower, but Im sure it would be very good because the views are supposed to be good.
Worth a trip if your in the area, and is easily accessible from town.

The most beautiful buildingin Worcester, definately worth going and having a look. There is so much historical background to the building, tours are available to get the most out of your visit. The tower is not always available to go and see because of opening times and weather conditions. It really is truly an interesting place that anyone will enjoy looking round. they also have a giftshop and a café.

To me, this is the quintessential British Cathederal, the architectural proportions are aestheticly perfect. The beautiful, riverside gardens make for a welcome tranquil break as does the coffee shop situated in the cloisters. Also the Main tower, bell tower and crypte are also worth a visit. With an excellent variety of musical events as well as daily evensong, Worcester Cathederal is a lovely place to visit for locals and tourist alike.

An absolutely beautiful building which been undergoing cleaning/​restoration for over 10 years. Inside is some of the finest tombs & archives in the Country (which means in the World). Regular music to be heard. Now has an open crypt. This is where history was made & history is being made. One of the most talked/​written about Churches in the world. Worth a trip

This is a truly magnificent cathedral — a great, tranquil, awe-​inspiring place to visit even if you’re not religious. Check out the crypt — the temperature drops as you descend the stairs adding to the feeling of creepiness as you go into the bowels of the church. On Saturdays, the tower is open. For a couple of pounds you can go up and get stunning views across Worcester.