The Friends' Cloister Gallery
The Friends’ Cloister Gallery provides a covered walkway, connecting Exeter Cathedral with its 13th century Chapter House and Pearson buildings. The new structure is the most significant building to adjoin the cathedral since its Speke and Oldham chapels, constructed around 500 years ago.
Built on the same foundations as the original medieval cloisters which were demolished in 1657. Following its demolition, houses known as ‘miserable hovels’ were built on the site. These houses were pulled down between 1813-1817.
The new cloister, designed by Cathedral Architect Camilla Finlay, was built using locally sourced stone from Somerset and north Dorset. The new building was is part of Exeter Cathedral’s 2020s Development Appeal Project, which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and aims to make sure that the historic building is preserved for future generations and remains welcoming to all.
It has been named in recognition of the support from The Friends of Exeter Cathedral, an independent charity founded in 1929 to help preserve and improve the cathedral’s fabric and furnishings. The charity generously donated £1 million towards the building cost.