East Cloister is available in the summer months for receptions. Occasionally private views of the Museum and the Abbey can be arranged in addition. The East Cloister is suitable for up to 350 people.

The present Cloisters were begun in the thirteenth century, when Henry III’s church was being built; and they were finished in the late fourteenth century.

Of the eastern cloister the four bays nearest the church, including the Chapter House entrance (finished in 1253), were begun by Abbot Crokesley (1246-1258) and the east cloister was continued by Abbot Simon de Bircheston (1344-1349).

In the cloisters the monks spent a great part of their time; at first only the upper half was glazed and the lower part was closed with shutters, but later on the whole was filled in with coloured glass. Carpets of hay and straw in winter, and rushes in summer covered the stone floor and benches. The walls were decorated with paintings, and lamps were suspended by chains from the roof. Fine views can be enjoyed of the south side of the Abbey and into the Garth.

The green or Garth in the centre may have been used as a garden and there was a well in the centre. Close to the entrance to the Chapter House are the Library, Pyx Chapel and Museum, and also the Dark Cloister, which is the oldest part of the Abbey dating back to the eleventh century. It is a wonderfully atmospheric location for an evening reception.

Receptions: up to 350 people
Summer months only