Gloucester, mainly because of hunting in the Forest of Dean, was the location of the Winter Courts of the Norman Kings - it was from Gloucester Cathedral that the most remarkable census ever undertaken, the Domesday Book, was ordered.

The church was influential in the everyday life of medieval people. Tithe barns (such as those still remaining at Ashleworth and Stanway House) and church tax became components of the national economy. There were great churches at Tewkesbury, Winchcombe and Hailes Abbey, which with its holy relic (a phial of Christ's blood) became one of the main centers of pilgrimage in Britain. Church school at Gloucester Cathedral, at Northleach, at Cheltenham and at Newland provided the raw material for the new regime.

Later, Gloucester became a place of pilgrimage when Edward II's body was removed to the Cathedral, after his brutal murder at Berkeley Castle. The Cathedral remains the last resting place of King Edward, in a setting of pioneering Gothic architecture. Pilgrim Inns sprang up to house weary travelers along their way. The New Inn in Gloucester is a fine example of a remaining Inn which was built in the 13th century.

The Middle Ages was a great period for the church building, from the foundation of the Cathedral and Tewkesbury Abbey, to churches large and small throughout the county.

Amongst the larger churches of note are those at Cirencester, Northleach and Newland. There are still remains of the glorious carvings, stained glass, paintings and monuments all over the county; Stow-on-the-Wold, English Bicknor, Ruardean, Mitcheldean and Fairford.