The Kingsholm second row, who has made 132 Premiership appearances for the club, told www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk he is ready to make the jump into coaching following a distinguished playing career that also landed him England A honours.
Cornwell will become a semi-professional player when he moves to the National One club in the summer and the Bees' director of Rugby Phil Maynard has already described his capture as: "like signing a Super 14 player because of the experience he has."
"I am really looking forward to a new challenge in my career," Cornwell said, who will also coach the forwards. "It is a great chance to see if I can cut it as a coach. I feel I have something to offer in that field of the game and at the same time I can still play.
"When you get to a certain age [he is 33] you look at the game slightly differently and I believe I have learnt a great deal from all the coaches I have played under and want to try and pass some of it on.
"But I also feel I can do a good as a player - I am still reasonably fit and strong - but I also see this as a chance to bring on some of the young players and, hopefully, prepare them for Premiership rugby.
"I think the Bees are looking for a bit of leadership and decision making experience and I believe I can bring them that on the field and off it. Gloucester has been truly fantastic but this is a great opportunity for me."
Cornwell made his senior Gloucester debut against Bristol in 1995 and will join former Gloucester winger Tom Beim at Sharmans Cross Road.
Fly-half Ryan Lamb and back row men Luke Narraway and Will Matthews completed loan spells with the Bees this season.
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