Video Audio Book

Best viewed in 4K full screen.

Norwich Cathedral has a different beginning than many other English Cathedrals in that it is not built on the site of an ancient Anglo-Saxon church.  Before the Norman Conquest, Norwich was an important trading town in East Anglia, the wealthiest and most densely populated region of England.  Norwich was second only to London in population.  So after the Normans arrived in 1066, they eventually determined that a cathedral should be established in this regional capital. 

King William II, better known as Rufus, found a soulmate in Herbert de Losinga, a prior from Normandy.  Herbert was an ambitious man and was selected as the Norwich Bishop by Rufus in exchange for 1,200 pounds, a huge sum of money at the time.  Though technically guilty of committing the sin of simony, Herbert was conducting business as usual as Rufus assumed he should receive a reward for his patronage.  Herbert traveled to Rome to obtain the Pope’s permission to establish the East Anglia cathedral in Norwich, and construction began.  The cathedral was mostly finished by Herbert’s death in 1119, and fully completed by 1145.

The Norman cathedral and monastery was not initially welcomed by Norwich citizens.  Construction replaced an Anglo-Saxon settlement and two churches had to be demolished.  In addition,  the abbey was exempt from local civic taxes.  Ill feelings continued for some time, culminating in an assault by Norwich citizens in 1272 that resulted in the burning of much of the cathedral and the destruction of many treasures.  Eventually, the Crown ordered the city to pay 2,000 pounds for repairs and 30 townspeople were hanged in punishment.

Fast forwarding to today, though, clearly feelings have long mended and the city celebrates having the cathedral in its midst.  There is a devoted and active community of volunteers that tend to much of the cathedral’s upkeep.  While there I spoke with several women who were cleaning and dusting, donating their time to care for a building they love.  Other volunteers work as guides, staff the cathedral store, and help tend to the gardens.  It was interesting talking with them and all have a deep love and pride for their church home.

And – on a personal note – there was a bit of excitement.  When visiting cathedrals l often attend choral Evensong services.  These services take place in the late afternoon and are held in the choir area – once only open to monks.  One or more of the choirs sing for most of the service and their voices are indeed beautiful.   On the evening I went, none other than HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was there (you probably know him better as King Charles’ youngest brother, Prince Edward).  This was my first, and most likely last, time to worship with royalty!

Gallery - Click to Open