Worcester Cathedral

One of England's loveliest cathedrals, Worcester Cathedral has been a place of prayer and worship for fourteen centuries and is dedicated to Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. The present Cathedral building was begun in 1084. Its attractions include King John's tomb, Prince Arthur's chantry, the early 12th Century Chapter House and tranquil St. Wulfstan's crypt.

Edward Winslow was educated at King’s School Worcester, which is situated in the Cathedral precinct and was at the time run by the Cathedral. He was one of ten students championed for a scholarship by the Dean of the Cathedral. His admission is listed in the Cathedral Library. At the time that he attended, from April 1606 aged 10 to April 1611 aged 15, the school room would have been in College Hall (previously the monastic refectory). Edward would have studied Grammar, Latin and Greek.

The Cathedral Library, once also a school room for King’s School, houses one of the country’s most important collections of medieval books, manuscripts and music. It has rare documents and books from around the time of the Pilgrim Fathers leaving England. There are also various books published since the Pilgrim landing in 1620 such as a book called Purchas His Pilgrimes, written by Samuel Purchas and published in 1625. Part 4 covers the West Indies and the early settlers in America. The Library also has a 17th century French map of America, a large French royal atlas, plus 17th century Greek and Latin books.

The Cathedral is open daily and is free to enter. Access to see the Library and College Hall needs to be pre-booked.

Guided tours for individuals or groups tours can be booked in advance. Special needs groups are welcome.

Booked tours of the Cathedral cost £6.00 pp (£5.50 concessions). Tours of the Library cost £5pp.

Book a guided tour and discover amongst other things -

• Where Edward Winslow may have lived when he studied at Kings School.
• Why King John is buried at Worcester Cathedral – his effigy, said to be a likeness, is the oldest royal effigy in England.
• The early 12th Century painted angels in the Chapter House – thought to be the first round Chapter House in the world.
• The final resting places of not only a king and a prince, but that of a duke, prime minister and the Worcester Pilgrim and the stories of other interesting people associated with the Cathedral.
• The spot where British composer Sir Edward Elgar stood as a boy to watch the world famous Three Choirs Festival, that he later conducted at.

Climb to the top of the Cathedral tower to see magnificent views of the city, River Severn, County Cricket ground and countryside beyond. The Tower is open on Saturdays and school holidays from Easter to the end of October, weather permitting. Charges apply.

The Cathedral’s Cloister Café welcomes visitors with a range of hot and cold food. Groups are asked to book in advance.

The shop, also situated in the medieval Cloister, offers books, jewellery and gifts, with music as a speciality.

Disabled Access - most parts of the Cathedral are accessible and parking can be made available for disabled visitors.

Unfortunately there is no disabled access to the Library or Tower, which are accessed via steep spiral staircases.

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