Norwich Cathedral: the architecture of devotion

Why does Norwich Cathedral have so many chapels, chantries and altars? Why are there so many processional routes in the building? What was the reason for the over 1,000 decorative bosses we enjoy today? What were the dual purposes of the Reliquary Arch? Why was the 13th century Lady Chapel so large, and why does a screen divide the building in two? For roughly the first 400 years of its history, Norwich was a monastic cathedral: how did the presence of Benedictine monks impact on the building we see today? From chapels to processional routes, from carved bosses to the earliest forms of theatre in the west, our tour will explore the various liturgical and devotional practices of the medieval church, and how the cathedral building developed to meet these, in an era when seeing was a crucial element in believing, and when the only ‘theatre’ in Western Christendom was liturgical. And what happened at the Reformation to change this legacy? Join us to find out.

Timings & Tours

Monday 15 September:

Tour 1030 | Fully booked

Saturday 20 September:

Tour 1430 | Fully booked

Location & directions

The Dean & Chapter of Norwich Cathedral, Chapter Office, 65 The Close, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 4DH

Directions:

Meeting point and directions will be issued on booking

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

If you can no longer fulfil your booking, please cancel this by emailing [email protected] to provide others with the opportunity to attend.

Booking contact name:

The Forum

Booking website:

https://norfolkhods.ticketsolve.com/

Booking opens:

27 Aug 2025 10:00 AM

Booking closes:

14 Sep 2025 03:00 PM

Accessibility details

Disabled parking must be pre-booked by telephoning 01603 218300.

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

18

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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