Blackfriars Priory

Blackfriars Priory, off Ladybellegate Street near Gloucester Docks, is one of the most complete surviving Dominican priories in England. It dates from the 13th century and is a scheduled monument. The North Range has a 65 ft scissor-braced oak roof and a full glass wall overlooking the ruins. The site also contains the Scriptorium, regarded as the oldest surviving purpose-built library in northern Europe. Gloucester City Council ran the priory as an award-winning events venue for weddings, parties, corporate hire, theatre, music and tours. The North Range seats up to 150, or takes 250 for a party, and the Upper East Range takes 80 theatre-style or 50 seated. The priory is the home of Gloucester History Festival and has hosted a stage at the city's Underground Festival. Important: the council stepped away from running the priory at the end of May 2026, and the venue's own bookings and Sunday opening ended then. Gloucester History Festival still held its autumn 2026 programme at the priory in September. The long-term operator and any future hire arrangements have not been announced, so check the current position before planning an event.