St Oswald's Priory, Gloucester

St Oswald's Priory is a monastic complex in Gloucester featuring preserved Norman arches and stone walls. The remains sit in a green space near Gloucester Cathedral and display the original layout of the religious community.

The complex was founded around 900 by Princess Aethelflaed of Mercia, daughter of Alfred the Great, using stones recycled from Roman ruins in the area. The priory grew into one of the region's most important religious centers.

The priory served as a major pilgrimage site during medieval times because it housed the relics of Saint Oswald. The presence of these sacred remains shaped the spiritual life of the region for generations.

The site is accessible year-round and features informational panels explaining the history of the structures. Visitors can walk freely around the ruins and explore them from different angles.

Excavations in the 1970s revealed a carved stone slab from the 10th century marking the burial place of an important historical figure. This discovery gave archaeologists valuable insights into the priory's early days.

Location: Gloucester

Inception: 9 century

GPS coordinates: 51.86940,-2.24780

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:51