A nunnery was founded at Gloucester in the year 681, by Osric, a “minister” or “sub-regulus” of Ethelred, King of Mercia. Three abbesses ruled it successively until 767, after which the convent was dispersed. Beornulph of Mercia refounded it, about 821, for secular priests,--who, in 1022, were replaced by Benedictine monks. The Saxon Chronicle (A.D. 1058) records the “hallowing” of the monastery by Ealdred, Bishop of Worcester. In 1088 this building was destroyed by fire, and a new church was commenced by Abbot Serlo, which was completed and dedicated in 1100[2]. Two years afterwards this church suffered much from fire; and still more in 1122, when the Saxon Chronicle asserts that “in Lent-tide ... the town of Gloucester was burnt while the monks were singing their mass, and the deacon had begun the gospel ‘Præteriens Jesus.’ Then came the fire on the upper part of the steeple, and burned all the monastery, and all the treasures that were there within, except a few books and three mass-robes.” This injury, according to Froucester’s Chronicle, was repaired by the offerings of the faithful; but the abbey suffered again from fire in 1179 and 1190. The church was re-dedicated to St. Peter, in 1239, by Walter de Cantilupe, Bishop of Worcester. In 1242 the nave roof was completed. Abbot THOKEY (1306-1329) built the _south aisle_ of the nave in 1318. It was during his abbacy that the body of Edward II. was interred in the church; and it was owing to the great value of the offerings made at his tomb that a series of works was commenced, which form one of the most peculiar features of this cathedral. Under the succeeding Abbot, WYGEMORE, (1329-1337,) the Norman walls of the _south transept_ (called St. Andrew’s aisle) were cased with tracery; ADAM DE STANTON, abbot from 1337 to 1351, constructed the vaulting of the _choir_, and the stalls on the prior’s side; and Abbot HORTON (1351-1377) completed the high altar with the choir, and the stalls on the abbot’s side; together with the casing of St. Paul’s aisle, (the _north transept_). This abbot also commenced the great _cloister_, which Walter FROUCESTER (1381-1412) completed. Abbot MORWENT (1420-1437) erected the _west front_, the _south porch_, and two western bays of the nave. Abbot SEABROOKE (1450-1457) built the existing _tower_. Abbot HANLEY (1457-1472) began the _Lady-chapel_, which Abbot FARLEY (1472-1498) completed.