The most complete Norman Cathedral in England and one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe, Norwich Cathedral is one of England’s finest Cathedrals and dedicated to the Holy and Undivided Trinity.
I showed you the two dramatic entrance gates in to the cathedral grounds from Tombland. Now it is time to walk through and have a look at the cathedral precinct which occupies the former monastery. It is very difficult to get the entire building in frame and the addition of a rather ugly visitors’ entrance is not helpful and certainly (IMO) not sympathetic to the 900 year old Norman cathedral.
The Cathedral Close, an area surrounding the Cathedral, contains more than 80 listed buildings. The Upper end of ‘The Close’ as it is known, is a large green space stretching along the west front of the Cathedral. The Norwich School (independent) occupies one end and we were lucky enough to be able to enter the Grade 1 listed school chapel as it was open for the Historic Open weekend. Built in 1316-1320 it was originally a chantry chapel where monks said prayers four times a day to save the soul of Bishop Salmon who was a very rich Norwich bishop. The architectural style is transitional between Gothic Decorated and Perpendicular.
I was particularly taken with the lovely blue doors
and the ocular windows. For over 350 years the Lyhart porch (seen on the left of the top photo) was the main entrance to the school. The door to the chapel is the original door from the †14c and is the oldest working door in Norwich.
Situated on the large green are two sculptures:
Nelson is of course a Norfolk lad. Born in Burnham Thorpe (north of the county) he attended the grammar school opposite. Originally the statue (by Thomas Milne) was situated in the Market Place but moved to Cathedral Close on April 16 1856. The statue cost £700 but by 1852 subscriptions only amounted to £400 barely enough to pay the sculptor.
The Duke of Wellington (by George Adams) is at the other side of the green, shown on a plinth decorated with a coat of arms and regimental colours. This was previously also located in the Market Place on Gentleman’s Walk and moved to its current position on January 13 1935. His statue has fared a lot better than poor old Nelson, who shows signs of aging.
The West entrance faces you in all its splendour, but this is not the visitors entrance. Two new statues adorn the main door, we’ll take a closer look.
St Julian stands on the left of the entrance as though turning to face visitors using the main door- her right arm at her side- the left holding her book so that its title is clear. St Benedict puts his finger to his lips to urge silence – the message written on his book
When the Cathedral Dean and Chapter decided to commission two new statues to commemorate the new millennium and the 900th anniversary of the Cathedral’s foundation, they chose St Benedict as the subject of one and Mother Julian of Norwich – a medieval mystic who was the first woman ever to write a book in English – as the other. St Benedict was the father of the Benedictine monastic order, which founded Norwich Cathedral Priory in 1096.
Source: Sculpture for Norwich website
The Norman tower still seen today topped with a wooden spire covered with lead. The cathedral spire, measuring at 315 ft or 96 m, is the second tallest in England despite being partly rebuilt after being struck by lightning in 1169, just 23 months after its completion, which led to the building being set on fire. (Wikipedia)
Next time we shall go and take a look inside the cathedral.
I’m enjoying this series, Jude. I visited Norwich Cathedral 12 years ago, now. As your posts show, it’s a very impressive building.
I don’t suppose it has changed much, certainly not the surrounding area.
Fabulous! I appreciate the share Jude. I like your photo of Duke of Wellington.
Thanks, Jude. You have almost saved me struggling into the city to see it! (I will though, promise…)
Best wishes, Pete. x
Not much of a struggle for you Pete – half an hour? It is a very photogenic city, though I admit not really an Ollie place.
I was of course exaggerating. But after all these years in Beetley, Norwich feels like New York to me! x
I know what you mean Pete. I don’t even go in to Penzance very often and that is only 9 miles away!
Churches like these are amazing. When I walk through them I am in awe of the builders who created these structures without the help of modern machinery.
The craftsmanship is what I admire about them. And of course there is always a sense of peace.
I am in complete agreement…..
I never tire of exploring Europe’s cathedrals. Thanks for introducing me to this one. I look forward to seeing inside. I love that blue door too!
The trip was a bit of a cultural journey, stopping off to see several of the big cathedrals in the UK that I have never visited.
I really liked walking around The Close when I was in Norwich. Thanks for taking me back,
Pit
Its an interesting area. Must be really lovely on a sunny day.
It sure is!
This is one that has passed me by….
I do love a cathedral and for the same reasons as you, this one is handsome. I’m looking forward to seeing inside, especially the stained glass on the west front.
The stained glass is superb, such great craftsmanship over the years – the west window is not my favourite though.
I’ll have to wait and see!
I was 18 when I visited here and I’m fairly sure I didn’t pay it enough attention. You are filling in my knowledge gaps, thank you.
Good pair of knees that Nelson had, which is more than can be said for me if I keep on upping and downing in Portugal! 🙂 It all looks slightly surreal to me from here. I’ve gotten so used to blue skies and a hazy shoreline. Back to earth with a big bump next week, I fear! 🙂
Not so cold here as eastern Europe. I hope the Polish family are OK with those extreme temperatures.
They will be used, but thank you for thinking of them. I shall drop them an email tonight. 🙂