St Oswald's Priory in Gloucester targeted by graffiti again

A specialist has been called out to remove the graffiti

An historic city landmark has been hit again by "thoughtless" vandals who have covered it with graffiti.

Graffiti has been tagged onto St Oswald's Priory in Gloucester, parts of which are over 1,000 years old.

City council chiefs say they have contracted a specialist to remove the graffiti.

Councillor Rebecca Trimnell (LD, Westgate), who represents the area, said she was "shocked and upset" over the vandalism.

"It is a thoughtless and imbecilic act, which shows complete and utter contempt to St Oswald's Priory," she said.

"This isn't the first time graffiti has been sprayed, but this time is by far the worst. I just want to see it cleaned up and brought back to its former glory."

A spokesperson for Gloucester City Council said: "It's very sad to see one of the city's important historic sites treated in this way.

"The council have installed interpretation material at the site and have ensured that it is open to the public at all times.

"It is an example of the poor behaviour of a few ruining the enjoyment of the many."

The latest graffiti covers a large part of the priory walls

St Oswald's Priory was founded by Lady Aethelflaed of Mercia, daughter of Alfred the Great, around 900 AD.

The Priory Church, initially dedicated to St Peter, was constructed from recycled Roman stones.

During that time it was a bold and unusual move to build a church as there were frequent raids from the Vikings.

The site was first used as a Christian cemetery, but in 909 AD relics of St Oswald were taken there.

The building was rededicated to the saint and quite possibly Aethelflaed and her husband were later interred in the crypt.

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