Bristol Cathedral, in South West England, is much more than a fascinating building, it is a centre of Bristol's history, civic life and culture. Founded as an abbey in 1140, it became a cathedral in 1542 and developed architecturally throughout the ages. It is one of the finest examples of a 'hall church' anywhere in the world. The Chapter House is Norman with fine arcading and dog-tooth moldings, typical of the period. The Choir is medieval and features many interesting carvings on the wooden misericords, including the Romance of Reynard Fox.