Tomb of King Edward II

Tomb of King Edward II, Gloucester Cathedral

On 20 December 1327, King Edward II (1284-1327 AD) who had died at Berkeley Castle (in suspicious circumstances) was buried at Gloucester Cathedral. The Tomb of King Edward II was later to become an important pilgrimage site.

The popular account that Edward II was assassinated by having a red hot poker thrust into his anus is not supported by modern-day historians. He either was murdered or died of natural causes but most likely not in the gruesome manner of legend.

A monument (see below) was erected over the tomb of the dead king. The canopy of that monument was carved from local Cotswold Limestone, and the base is faced with Purbeck Marble.

Edward’s Tomb as Pilgrimage Site

For about 70 years after the king’s death, the tomb was a site for pilgrimage. Popular devotion and Royal patronage led to funds flowing into the abbey, and these funds made possible the remodelling of the east end of Gloucester Cathedral to be done in the very latest ‘Perpendicular’ style.

The Tomb of King Edward II is located inside Gloucester Cathedral. Gloucester Cathedral is located on College Green in central Gloucester.