Norwich Cathedral (Norwich)

The structure of the cathedral is primarily in the Norman style, having been finished in 1145.

Summary Free admission Art and sculpture

Introduction

The structure of the cathedral is primarily in the Norman style, having been constructed at the behest of Bishop Herbert de Losinga between the late 11th century and about 1145. The total length of the building is 461 feet (140 metres). Significant alterations from later periods include a 315 foot (96 metre) spire completed in 1465, and a two-storey cloister, the only such in England, which was built between 1300 and 1430, as well as the vaults of nave and chancel.

The cathedral is built of flint and mortar faced with limestone brought in from Caen. Standing at 315 feet, the cathedral's spire is the second tallest in England, and dominates the city skyline; only the spire of Salisbury Cathedral is higher. Like Salisbury and Ely, the cathedral lacks a ring of bells - the only three English cathedrals to do so. One of the best views of the cathedral spire is from St. James's Hill on Mousehold Heath.

The Cathederal is open daily from 7:30am to 6pm.  Entrance is free but donations are always welcome.

History to the present day

The sheer size of Norwich cathedral bears witness to the impact made on the City by the conquering Normans. Following their victory at Hastings in 1066, the Normans quickly stamped their dominance over their new kingdom by building scores of cathedrals and monasteries as well as hundreds of parish churches and castles. Norwich Castle was completed by 1075. In 1094 the seat of the East Anglian bishops was moved from Thetford to the fast-expanding city of Norwich.

In 1096, Bishop Herbert de Losinga laid the foundation stone at the eastern end of the new Cathedral and an immense building project was begun.

Even today, the size and grandeur of the Cathedral creates feelings of awe and wonder. To eleventh and twelfth-century citizens of Norwich, the building must have appeared incredible – a sure sign not only of the greatness of God, but also of the power and permanence of the Norman invaders.

We shall never know who planned and designed the Norman Cathedral in Norwich, but a huge workforce of masons, craftsmen, glaziers and labourers worked on it.

The skilled workers were mainly Normans, the unskilled, Saxons. Herbert de Losinga was undoubtedly an inspirational leader, because planning, money-raising and building work progressed with great speed. By 24 September 1101 enough had been completed for the building to be consecrated and for worship to begin. By 1145 the building had been completed, under the direction of Bishop Herbert’s successor, Eborard de Montgomery.