Number 20 and part of Abbey Precinct Wall

Number 20 is a medieval house in Gloucester that incorporates part of the old abbey wall into its own stonework. The combined structure displays how residential buildings adapted and reused older defensive elements from religious enclosures.

The abbey wall was built over several centuries as part of the monastery's defenses, beginning in the medieval period. The house came later and was constructed to incorporate this older barrier into its own walls.

The house sits where the abbey's boundary once controlled daily life in the town. Walking past it, you encounter a physical reminder of how religious institutions shaped where people lived and what they built.

The building sits near the Shire Hall in central Gloucester, easy to find and view from the street. Since it is a private residence, you can observe the medieval stonework and wall sections from outside without needing to arrange special access.

The house preserves an actual section of the original abbey boundary wall within its own structure, making such combinations rare to find. This merger demonstrates how medieval builders pragmatically reused existing stone to reduce construction effort and expense.

Location: Gloucester

GPS coordinates: 51.86660,-2.24671

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:41