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Mayor Adrian Graham Takes Historic Place in Gloucester Cathedral

Published
Gloucester’s newly appointed Mayor, Councillor Adrian Graham, marked a significant moment in his civic inauguration by taking his place in the historic Mayor’s Stall at Gloucester Cathedral on the evening of Monday 22 June.

Councillor Adrian Graham is the 546th individual to hold the historic office of Mayor of Gloucester, a role formally established in 1483 when King Richard III granted the city its Charter of Incorporation.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “It was lovely to join Cllr, Adrian Graham, the 546th Mayor of Gloucester, as he was ‘installed’ in his ceremonial seat in Gloucester Cathedral. It takes place during a special evensong in the Quire. Attendees, including the Mayors of Cheltenham and Tewkesbury joined the Mayor afterwards for tea, coffee and cakes. It’s all part of Gloucester’s historic civic tradition. Gloucester Cathedral is magnificent and was appropriately cool during the heatwave”.

The Mayor’s Stall symbolises a centuries-old connection between the city of Gloucester and its cathedral, reflecting a long-standing partnership between civic leadership and religious heritage.

Added to the Quire of Gloucester Cathedral in 1738, the Mayor’s Stall is distinguished by its ornate wooden canopy, setting it apart from the surrounding seating. It remains a rare example of a civic seat situated in such a prominent ecclesiastical setting; positioned directly opposite the Bishop’s Throne.

Against a rich historical backdrop, the Mayor’s Stall serves as more than a ceremonial seat. It is a powerful symbol of the enduring bond between Gloucester’s civic leadership and one of its most iconic landmarks, linking the present day with centuries of shared history.

Councillor Adrian Graham’s participation in this tradition underscores the continued importance of this connection as he begins his term as Mayor.