From Tuesday 27 August we will be undertaking works, funded by The Friends of Hereford Cathedral, to improve the paving in the Chapter House Garden.

Over the years the paving in the garden has become uneven, due to the nature of the stones and wear and tear which has resulted in cracking, causing an uneven walking surface. Over a period of two to three months a number of paving slabs within the garden will be rebedded or replaced to provide a safer walking area with reduced trip hazards.

Great attention has been paid to the existing paving, with a 3D laser scanning survey carried out to identify what work might be needed for each slab. The new riven finish stones to match the originals have been sourced locally wherever possible, and natural weathering will fade their colour to match the existing stones over time. There are also five ledger stones (gravestones) of historical or architectural interest in the Chapter House Garden which will be lifted and preserved against the south wall of the cathedral to prevent further wear and allow closer inspection.

The Cathedral Café will be open as normal and additional outdoor seating will be available in the Lady Arbour Garden, as access to the Chapter House Garden will be restricted. The public toilets will remain open throughout the works, but visitors will be redirected through the cathedral to access them.