Worcester Cathedral

Worcester Cathedral is the Anglican cathedral of the Diocese of Worcester in the city of Worcester in England, occupying a prominent site beside the River Severn. The site has been a religious foundation since the early medieval period and the present building includes major Norman and Gothic fabric.

The building is noted for its long nave, medieval cloisters and carved stonework. Highlights include the Norman crypt, the 14th-century cloisters and extensive medieval stained glass across several chapels. The cathedral also houses important funerary monuments, including the tomb of King John.

Much of the present building was constructed between the 11th and 16th centuries; successive phases replaced or extended earlier monastic structures. Over time the cathedral has been refurbished and conserved, with notable Victorian-era restoration work on the interior and exterior stonework.

The cathedral sits in Worcester city centre on the west bank of the River Severn, within the Cathedral Close and a short walk from the city’s main railway station. Birmingham lies roughly 45 kilometres to the north-east.

• King John's tomb: Contains the tomb of King John, who died in 1216; the king's grave is one of the cathedral's most visited monuments.
• Viewing and music: Best riverside views are from the Cathedral Close and along the River Severn; attend choral services such as evensong for the full musical experience.

What to See #

• Crypt: A vaulted Norman crypt beneath the east end with Romanesque stonework that survives from the earlier cathedral building.
• Cloisters: Cloisters dating mainly from the 14th century featuring carved bosses and a walkway that links the chapter house and precinct buildings.
• Chapter House and Choir: The chapter house and choir area with medieval glass and carved stonework, forming the core of the cathedral's liturgical spaces.