Talk by Jon Cannon, Keeper of the Fabric, Bristol Cathedral
9 December 2018
Over fifty of the Friends were fascinated to hear about the Augustinian abbey founded by
Robert Fitzharding who became first Lord Berkeley. That abbey is the basis of what is now Bristol Cathedral.
The lands of the Berkeley estate had been granted to Robert Fitzharding by Henry II in 1153 and
he established the abbey on his land adjacent to Bristol.
The connection between the Berkeley family and the building continued for centuries.
This was a most informative and engaging talk by an expert on
the Medieval art, architecture and history of the Cathedral.
The festive spirit at the Castle was enhanced by the mulled wine, mince pies and fruit cake,
freshly baked by Berkeley WI.
