Norwich Cathedral Close is many things; a place of craftsmen, a heritage attraction, a business community, a residential village, a green space, even a film set. All these activities take place under the shadow of the Cathedral.
History of the Close
Norwich Cathedral is very fortunate to have one of the largest precincts (or 'Close') of all English Cathedrals comprising of forty-four acres of central Norwich. This large area is the legacy of the Cathedral's monastic past, as this was the extent of the Priory. A recent plan of the monastic buildings demonstrates how today's Close fits within the footprint of the original monastic foundation.
Many of the buildings within the Close still retain medieval fabric and most are Listed; eighty-three of them at Grade I or II*. This adds to the rich heritage of the Cathedral's setting but also requires maintenance by specialist craftsmen. The Cathedral has its own Works Team trained in traditional methods of repair. Occasionally, properties require refurbishment between tenants and this can be an opportunity to discover more about their past.
The Upper and Lower Close today
The plan of today's Close shows how the area falls into two distinct parts. Upon entry through either one of the medieval gatehouses on Tombland you arrive in the Upper Close, an area surrounding a large green stretching from the West Front of the Cathedral to Almary Green. The properties here are mainly occupied by businesses or Norwich School.
Further to the east is the Lower Close where handsome Georgian properties overlook a larger green. This is the heart of the residential Close and from here lanes branch off to the northeast (Hook's Walk leading to Bishopgate) and east (Ferry Lane leading to the river and train station). Despite appearances, the Georgian facades that one sees from the green mask the remains of the monastic granary to the north, brewery & bakehouse to the east, and St Mary in the Marsh to the south.
The green space at the heart of Norwich
When viewed from the air the greatest impression of the Close is the amount of greenery on show; the Greens, playing fields, and 450+ trees all make this area of Norwich a very pleasant place to live or visit. In recent years this green space has become increasingly used for community events, from sponsored walks to theatrical performances. The Gatekeepers work to keep traffic and parking manageable so as not to spoil the tranquil nature of the Close for those who visit, work and live here.