Norwich Cathedral

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Norwich Cathedral is a Church of England cathedral in the city of the same name in Norfolk, England dedicated to the Holy and Undivided Trinity.

Contents 1 Construction 2 Gates 3 The Cathedral Choirs 4 The other Cathedral 5 External links

[edit] Construction

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.

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 Salisbury Cathedral's is higher. Like Salisbury and Ely, the cathedral lacks a ring of bells - the only three English cathedrals to do so.

The bosses on the roof timbers number over 1,000. Each is decorated with a theological image and have been described as without parallel in the Christian world.

The precinct of the cathedral, the limit of the former monastery, is between Tombland and the River Wensum - building materials were taken up the Wensum and unloaded at Pulls Ferry. Cathedral Close, which runs from Tombland into the cathedral grounds, contains several properties.

The grounds also house the King Edward VI school, and statues to the Duke of Wellington and Admiral Nelson.

In 2004 the new award-winning visitor centre (National Wood Awards 2004), by Hopkins Architects and Buro Happold opened on the site.

[edit] Gates

There are two gates to the cathedral grounds, both on Tombland (the pre-Norman marketplace). In 1420 Sir Thomas Erpingham, benefactor to the city, had the gate which bears his name built, sited opposite the west door of the cathedral leading into Cathedral Close.

[edit] The Cathedral Choirs

The Cathedral Choirs consist of boys, girls and gentlemen. The Cathedral Choir has places for around 16 boys aged from 7-13 years. The boys all attend Norwich School in the Cathedral Close, with at least 50% of their fees being paid by the Norwich Cathedral Endowment fund. With the gentlemen of the choir, the boys sing at six services a week and often more during special times of year such as Easter and Christmas. There are 12 gentlemen of the choir, six of them being choral scholars (often Music students from the University of East Anglia). The gentlemen of the choir sing with the boys' choir, but also sing fortnightly with the girls' choir at Tuesday evensong. The boys and gentlemen of the Cathedral Choir are currently (2006) directed by Mr David Dunnett.

The Norwich Cathedral Girls' Choir was formed in 1995 to give girls the chance to contribute to the musical life of the cathedral. It has places for 24 girls, who are older than the boys, at the secondary age of 11-18 years. The girls do not all attend the same school, instead coming from a wide variety of schools around Norwich and Norfolk. They sing evensong once weekly (alternately on their own and with the gentlemen of the Cathedral Choir) and at least one Sunday Eucharist a term. The girls sing more often during busy times of the year such as Easter and Christmas. The Girls' Choir is directed by assistant organist Mr Julian Thomas.

Both choirs regularly go on musical tours - recent locations including United States of America, Malta, Holland, and Norway -, sing at other churches around the diocese and release choral CDs.

[edit] The other Cathedral

It is one of two cathedrals in the city, the other being the Roman Catholic St John the Baptist Cathedral, Norwich, built 1882. As the two cathedrals are at opposite ends of the city, this can cause some confusion amongst tourists who are directed towards 'the cathedral'.

As the oldest and most established of the two, this is felt to be the 'main' cathedral in the city.

[edit] External links

• Official site
• Herbert de Losinga
• A history of the choristers of Norwich Cathedral