Norwich Cathedral

Norwich Anglican Cathedral boasts the second tallest spire and the second largest medieval cloisters in England. It also has the largest collection of decorative roof bosses in England and is the only church in the Northern Hemisphere to have its Saxon Bishop's Throne in its original position. Norwich Cathedral continues to hold traditional services to this day – it remains a place of worship, where one can seek solace and comfort. It is attended by the pupils of Norwich School, who use the cathedral for their daily assembly. It is also the venue for many lectures, concerts and exhibitions.

Norwich Cathedral Pictures

Norwich Cathedral

Norwich Cathedral glowing in the winter sunshine

In 1272 there was a riot by the citizens of Norwich, who had grown increasingly hostile towards the cathedral, irritated by its constant legal and fiscal pressures. Damage was done to the monastery and cathedral cloisters and fires ravaged the building. It has been described as one of the most violent attacks on a religious house to occur in medieval England. This act of violence was not well received and the citizens were forced to rebuild that which they had destroyed!

Two magnificent gateways lead to Norwich Cathedral from Tombland. Erpingham Gate (c1420) was built by Sir Thomas Erpingham, who led the English archers at the Battle of Agincourt. The second is Ethelbert Gate (c1316) and built by the citizens as a penance after their riot had burnt down the original wooden gate.

Inside, the Cathedral is simply magnificent and if you have never explored this wonderful building, you should make time during your visit to Norwich. There is so much to see including detailed stonework, beautiful stained glass, carved wood and all this set in a wonderful atmosphere of tranquility and peace. Make sure you get to see the painted roof bosses, Thomas Gooding's unique skeleton memorial, Bishop Goldwell's tomb, the Treasury and the Presbytery (including the Bishop's Throne).

The Cloisters at Norwich Cathedral were built between 1297 and 1318. At 180 feet square, Norwich Cloisters come second only to Salisbury in size. The Monastery itself lay to the south of the Cathedral. The Monks spent most of their working lives here; there are alcoves where books would have been kept and also the original 'lavatorium' the washing area at the entrance to the Refectory. At that time washing was an important part of the Monastic ritual. Originally the Lavatorium consisted of two stories, with the Monks living in dormitories above. Around the Cloisters you can see more roof bosses at closer range; 100 of them alone depict the complete Book of Revelation.

Norwich Cathedral Close is one of the largest in England and is a very tranquil place. It contains the Prior’s Hall and the Bishop’s Palace and many of the buildings form part of King Edward VI School, which is also known as Norwich School. Houses in the Lower Close are mainly residential, while those in the Upper Close serve as offices. There are various statues, including Nelson and Wellington, plus the grave of WW1 nurse Edith Cavell.

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