The Cloister
The cloister with its four covered walks was the hub of the monastery and was surrounded by the principal abbey buildings.
At the far end of the eastern walk was the principal door into the church. Running along the upper floor of the east cloister range was the dormitory, where the community slept. The ruins of a vaulted storage space and a passage to the chapter house beneath the dormitory still survive. Beyond these at ground level is a curious vaulted space with wall seats and no windows, possibly an alley for apprentice canons or novices to gather on ceremonial occasions.
The current remains of the cloister were laid out in 1322. Excavation has revealed that the walks were laid with glazed tiles. It has also produced fragments of stone and sculpture, evidence of the rich detailing of the buildings.
From documentary evidence it is known that windows in the cloister and refectory were filled with glass by a certain Master Robert the Glazier in 1331.
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