Vandals have attacked the historic St Oswald’s Priory in Gloucester and covered the monument in graffiti.
Foul language and tags have been sprayed over the Priory in an overnight attack and has left a local councillor shocked.
Councillor Rebecca Trimnell, who represents Westgate ward on the city council, made the grim discovery on Friday morning.
“I am absolutely upset and angry – disbelief really to see the damage that has been done overnight by someone with spray paint,” she said.
“The priory has been covered in graffiti. It is really quite upsetting to see this beautiful monument, which is over 1,000 year old, being attacked in this way – and shows a complete lack of respect.
“This is a stark reminder the city is facing at the moment and more needs to be done.
“The lights need to be put back on and there needs to be more respect for this place otherwise it is just going to rack and ruin.”
The Liberal Democrat councillor has reported the vandalism to the city council and will also be reporting it to Gloucestershire Police.
Originally built by Queen Aethelflaed, daughter of Alfred the Great as long ago as 880AD, the remains of the north-side still stand tall just a stones throw from the iconic cathedral on the edge of the city centre.
It is not the first time the Priory has been subjected to vandalism, and Councillor Trimnell first raised the problem earlier this year.
They used black spray paint to daub words such as ‘f***’ on the remains of Greyfriars, which is located behind the Eastgate Street shopping centre.
One of Gloucester's most important monuments has received a Government grant to help with ongoing maintenance.
