Norwich Cathedral

Norwich Cathedral
Name	Norwich Cathedral
Fullname	The Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity
Caption	Norwich Cathedral from the east
Denomination	Church of England
Tradition	Anglo-Catholic
Diocese	Diocese of Norwich
Province	Province of Canterbury
Dedicated date	1096
Style	Romanesque, Gothic
Length	461 ft
Spire height	315 ft
Tower height	269 ft
Dean	The Very Revd Andrew Braddock
Canon chancellor	The Revd Canon Aidan Platten
Canon precentor	The Revd Canon Andy Bryant
Canon missioner	The Revd Canon Richard Stanton
Organistdom	Ashley Grote
Bells	10 (plus 2 service bells)
Website	https://cathedral.org.uk/

Norwich Cathedral is a Church of England cathedral located in Norwich, Norfolk, England. Dedicated to the Holy Trinity, it is the cathedral church for the Diocese of Norwich and the seat of the Bishop of Norwich. The cathedral, founded in 1096 by Bishop Herbert de Losinga, is a renowned example of Norman and Gothic design, featuring the second-tallest spire and one of the largest cloisters in England. It serves as a centre for worship, music, and heritage, attracting visitors to its historic precinct and close.

History

The cathedral's origins trace to 1096 when Herbert de Losinga, the first Bishop of Norwich, moved the East Anglian see from Thetford to Norwich and began construction. The building was consecrated in 1096, with the main structure largely completed by 1145 under his successor, Bishop Eborard. The cathedral endured significant damage in 1272 during the Great Riot and again in 1463 when the spire was struck by lightning. During the Reformation, the cathedral suffered iconoclasm, and its priory was dissolved in 1538 under Henry VIII. Further damage occurred in 1643 by Puritan forces during the Civil War. Major restoration projects were undertaken in the 19th century by architects including Anthony Salvin and George Gilbert Scott, with the spire rebuilt after a storm in 1938. Archaeological work, such as the 2021 discovery of a Norman slab floor, continues to reveal its layered history.

Architecture

The cathedral is a seminal work of Norman and Romanesque design, later enhanced with Gothic additions. Its nave is notable for its length and richly decorated Norman arcades. The 15th-century stone spire, rising to 315 feet, is the second tallest in England after Salisbury Cathedral. The cathedral's presbytery features an elaborate 15th-century choir screen and the bishop's throne. The two-story cloister, built between 1297 and 1430, is the largest in England and features over 1,000 carved bosses, including scenes from the Apocalypse. Other significant elements include the Erpingham Gate, the Ethelbert Gate, and the Perpendicular Gothic lady chapel.

Dean and chapter

As of 2023, the Dean is The Very Revd Andrew Braddock, who leads the chapter. The chapter includes the canon chancellor (The Revd Canon Aidan Platten), the canon precentor (The Revd Canon Andy Bryant), and the canon missioner (The Revd Canon Richard Stanton). They are responsible for the cathedral's spiritual life, governance, and mission, working alongside the Bishop of Norwich, currently Graham Usher. The chapter oversees the cathedral's operations, including its heritage and education programmes, and engages with the wider community across the Diocese of Norwich.

Music

The cathedral maintains a strong choral tradition, with music directed by the Master of the Music, Ashley Grote. The choir consists of choristers from Norwich School and lay clerks, singing daily Evensong and Sunday services. The cathedral is also home to the Norwich Cathedral Girls' Choir. The organ, originally built by Henry Willis in 1899 and rebuilt by Harrison & Harrison in 1940, is a notable instrument. The music department hosts concerts, recitals, and the annual Norfolk and Norwich Festival, featuring works from composers like Benjamin Britten and Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Burials and memorials

The cathedral contains numerous burials and memorials. Notable interments include its founder, Herbert de Losinga, and Bishop John Salmon. The Despenser Reredos, a 14th-century altarpiece, is a significant surviving medieval artwork. Memorials commemorate figures such as Admiral Lord Nelson, who attended Norwich School, and Edith Cavell, the First World War nurse. The Bauchun Chapel houses memorials to the Royal Norfolk Regiment, and the Jesus Chapel contains a modern sculpture by John Skeaping.

Precinct and close

The cathedral sits within a large, walled precinct that forms the Cathedral Close, one of the largest in England. Key buildings include the Deanery, the Bishop's Palace, and the canonries. The close is entered through historic gates like the Erpingham Gate and the Ethelbert Gate. The precinct also contains the Hostry, a modern visitor and education centre, and the Cathedral Library, which holds important manuscripts including the Norwich Lectern. The grounds feature the Close Gardens and the Herb Garden, maintaining a tranquil space in the city centre.

Category:Cathedrals in England Category:Norwich Category:Grade I listed cathedrals Category:Church of England dioceses