Journey through 1,000 thousand years of history and discover Gloucester Cathedral’s unique ties to the United States on a special guided tour. 

From breathtaking architecture and royal connections to more recent musical and military links with the United States, Gloucester Cathedral’s heritage transcends international borders, and the new American Connections Guided Tour is the perfect way to find out more.
 
Start your tour in style with a live performance of the U.S. National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, played by a Cathedral organist. The music of The Star-Spangled Banner was composed by Gloucester Cathedral chorister John Stafford Smith, adding a special local connection to this iconic piece.
 
Smith was baptised in Gloucester Cathedral in 1750 and 2025 marks the 275th anniversary of his baptism. There is a memorial to Smith in the north aisle of the cathedral. 

Gloucester Cathedral is a glorious sacred space in the heart of an historic English city, with a rich history that stretches back to 679 AD. With its soaring medieval architecture, stunning stained glass and the tomb of King Edward II, the cathedral is not only a site of profound spiritual significance but also a treasure of national heritage.

Spend time wandering through the medieval cloisters, which famously featured in the Harry Potter films. This part of the cathedral is fondly referred to as ‘Hogwarts’ by many visitors! The cloisters represent some of the most significant medieval architecture in the world, famed for their remarkable fan-vaulting.

At 22 metres in height and 12 metres in width, the cathedral’s Great East Window is the size of a tennis court! At the time of its installation in the 1350s, it was the largest window in the world and it continues to be one of the greatest examples of European medieval stained glass today. 

The tomb of King Edward II in the cathedral is unmistakable, with its highly ornate limestone canopy, and it is an early example of the ‘English Court’ style. King Edward II was crowned king in 1307, and the years that followed were turbulent. Following his abdication and imprisonment, he was allegedly murdered at Berkeley Castle in 1327 before his burial at St Peter’s Abbey, now Gloucester Cathedral.

Each year, Gloucester Cathedral welcomes thousands of people - pilgrims, tourists, school groups and community members - and it offers a vibrant year-round programme of services, concerts, exhibitions and tours.

To end your American Connections Guided Tour in style, indulge in a delicious traditional British afternoon or cream tea in The Monk’s Kitchen eatery! 

After visiting the cathedral, why not explore Gloucester’s delightful city centre and historic docks area, bursting with waterside cafés, independent shops and maritime heritage? Situated as it is on the edge of the glorious Cotswolds, Gloucester is also perfectly placed for experiencing this picture-postcard region of England, and for discovering quaint English villages such as Painswick and Bibury.

If you or your group would like to enjoy an American Connections Guided Tour at Gloucester Cathedral, as part of a tailor-made tour of Gloucester, the Cotswolds or south west England, please do contact our friendly team today. Or why not take a pilgrimage to England's religious sites, or enjoy a heritage tour tailored to your interests?

Credit for all photos: Jordan Chung.