Cloisters: Remarkable Cathedral Survivors
The Middle Ages
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1h 15m
Medieval cloisters, originally spaces linking monastic buildings, are miraculous survivors of Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries. English cathedral communities recognised the practicalities of cloisters and experimented with cutting-edge architecture to build, improve and embellish them. The result is that England’s Cathedral cloisters are some of the most extraordinarily beautiful spaces in the world. This talk explores the 20 or so medieval cathedral cloisters in England, with spectacular photos and encourages audiences to venture beyond the nave when they next visit a cathedral.
Janet Gough read History and history of art at Cambridge and worked in the City and then for Sotheby’s auction house for ten years. Janet was a trustee of the Churches Conservation Trust between 1998 and 2005 and strove to ensure its glorious churches and their treasures become better known. She then went on to become Director of cathedrals and church buildings for the Church of England and she continues to champion historic churches. She was awarded an OBE for services to heritage in 2017.
Janet has published a book called Cathedrals of The Church of England which you can purchase through our online store.
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