This page describes the different parts of a cathedral. All cathedrals are different but generally follow a common design plan. Below is a plan of a cathedral showing the layout of the main church and cloisters. The letters highlight areas of interest in the layout and more information about each area is provided below.
	Chapter-house Cloisters West Front North Porch Nave North Aisle South Aisle North Transept Crossing South Transept Choir Eastern Transepts Presbytery Retro-Choir Lady Chapel

The Chapter-house is where the Dean and Chapter met to discuss the running of the cathedral. The Chapter-house is usually built on the outside of the cloisters () and consists of a single large room commonly octagonal (8 sides) in shape. Some chapter-houses are different and the chapter-house at Hereford has 10 sides while the one at Abbey Dore had twelve sides. The roof of the chapter-house is commonly supported by a single central column and the ceiling is often elaborately vaulted and decorated. The example shown on the right is at Wells Cathedral.

Wells Chapter-house

Gloucester Cloisters

The cloisters are rectangular covered walkways around a central garden or garth. They were used by the occupants for exercise, study and movement under cover between the different parts of the cathedral. The construction of the ceilings of many cloisters can be very complex. The cloisters at Gloucester (shown on the left) are a good example of complex architecture and have fine fan vaulting. Cloisters are usually sited on the south side of the nave () where it is naturally sunnier and warmer, but some cathedrals have cloisters to the north due possibly to building constraints. The Chapter-house usually leads off the eastern side of the cloisters.

The West Front of a Cathedral ...

Lincoln West Front

Gloucester Cloisters

The North Porch of a Cathedral ...

The Nave of a Cathedral ...

Tewksbury Abbey Nave

Gloucester Cloisters

The North and South Aisles of a Cathedral ...

The North and South Trancepts of a Cathedral ...

Tewksbury Abbey Nave

Gloucester Cloisters

The Crossing of a Cathedral ...

The Choir of a Cathedral ...

Tewksbury Abbey Nave