St Oswalds Priory

GLOUCESTER

SO81NW PRIORY ROAD 844-1/3/246 (South side) 23/01/52 St Oswald's Priory

I

The ruined remains of the north aisle of the nave of the former Augustinian Priory of St Oswald. Founded by St Athelflaed c900; major C12 and C13 alterations and additions and later medieval and post medieval alterations of various dates. Following the dissolution the priory was largely demolished except for the aisle which was converted for use as the parish church of St Catherine. Rubble, including masonry reused from Roman buildings, ashlar details. The standing remains comprise the north wall of the Saxon church remodelled in the C12 with the insertion of an arcade when the nave was enlarged by the addition of aisles. EXTERIOR: four early C12 bays with round arches on piers with scalloped capitals: bays to west infilled with reset with reset C12 masonry (including two blocks with chevron) and C15 doorway with moulded surround; second bay to east infilled; bay to east has Saxon arch over C12 arch which represents later infill; to east of this, and on north-facing wall, is C13 trefoiled piscina and blocked square-headed opening with chamfered jambs and reset medieval masonry; projecting as spur to north-east is early C13 arch and wall with scalloped capitals. Two early C13 bays to the west with higher pointed arches and worn foliate capitals: infilled in rubble and ashlar, with early C16 three-light and 2-light stone-mullioned windows with sunk spandrels; projecting spur wall to south-west and to centre between bays with chamfered single-light window. The form of the Anglo-Saxon church has been established by Heighway. (The Anglo-Saxon Church: Heighway C: A Reconstruction of the Tenth Century Church of St Oswald: London: 1986-: 188-195).

Listing NGR: SO8304219007