The lavatorium (‘washing place’) in the north walk of the cloister is decorated with a delightful small-scale fan vault. The trough with its drainage holes would have been lead-lined, and on the shelf behind there would have been lead tanks with taps at the front. The lavatorium was used for hand-washing before meals. The whole community of monks would line up in order of precedence to wash and dry their hands. They would then process in silence into the refectory. The open alcove opposite the lavatorium is where their towels were hung.*

The cloister lavatorium was glazed in  1868 by John Hardman of Birmingham using designs by Powell.

The main lights, appropriately for the monastic washing area, illustrate episodes from Christ’s ministry associated with water, the one exception being the lights furthest east, which depict creation. The glass is of the highest quality and among the finest in the cathedral.*

*From Gloucester Cathedral FAITH, ART AND ARCHITECTURE: 1000 YEARS by Chapter of Gloucester Cathedral 2011

All that remains of the lavatorium in the west walk of the cloister are these decorative arches. The monks would have washed their hands here before entering the refectory to eat.