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Main
Page Norwich Cathedral is one of the most beautiful buildings in the country. This page will allow you to marvel at the wonderful artistic and architectural treasures contained within it. Have a look at our Gallery page You will find the following sections here: THE ROOF BOSSES OF NORWICH CATHEDRAL CARVINGS IN WOOD AND STONE STAINED GLASS AND PAINTINGS THE ANIMAL TRAIL The Roof Bosses of Norwich Cathedral The cathedral is unique in its collection of over 1000 roof bosses beautifully carved into the stone vaulting on the ceiling. A roof boss is a carved picture in stone which tells a story. For example, those in the Nave tell the story of the Bible from God's creation of the world to the crucifixion of Jesus and the judgement of people entering heaven. |
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The roof bosses have a practical as well as a decorative function. A stone
roof boss is a keystone which actually holds all the stone ribs of the ceiling
in place. You will see this clearly when you visit the cathedral. |
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| The nave roof bosses
are beautifully painted and show Bible stories which might be familiar to
you. Here is a selection for you to look at: |
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 Phoenix Roof Boss © Julia Hedgecoe |
This magnificent eagle
is one of the first creatures that God has created. The blue around the
eagle is meant to represent the sky. |
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 Noah's Arc Roof Boss © Julia Hedgecoe |
You will probably recognise Noah's Ark. Noah and his family and the creatures are all looking out on the flood. Try to identify all the different animals on board. |
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 The Nativity Roof Boss © Julia Hedgecoe |
This roof boss shows the Nativity. Mary and Joseph are sitting with the baby Jesus. The animals in the stable are above the baby. |
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 Sampson and Delila © Julia Hedgecoe |
About 400 of the cathedral's
roof bosses are situated in the cloisters. These were carved during the
rebuilding of the cloister from 1297 until 1450. Like in the Nave, the bosses
here often tell stories - there are over 100 bosses carved on the theme
of the apocalypse (the end of the world). In the cloister, we find Christian
images next to grotesque and fantastic carvings of beasts and monsters.
It certainly is a fascinating mix and it is well worth hunting around the
cloister for these bosses when you visit the cathedral. Here is a fine example: |
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 The Green Man Roof Boss © Julia Hedgecoe |
This beautiful image
is of a Green Man. These mysterious figures are connected with folk customs
that came before Christianity. Green men are usually associated with regeneration
and new life - perhaps in Spring. When you visit the cloister, hunt around
very carefully, because there are at least seven other Green Men hiding
away. They are all just as fascinating and they are all quite different
in their appearance! Top |
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 A misericord © Ken Harvey |
Carvings in Wood and Stone Norwich Cathedral contains many beautiful carvings and sculptures in wood and stone. The carvings again show a variety of subjects, from those connected with Christianity, to a whole range of different animals. There are also many beautiful patterns to be found in the wood, stone, and ironwork of the cathedral. Top |
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  Detail of the Despensar Reredos © Julia Hedgecoe |
Stained Glass and Paintings Here is a brief selection of some of the highly colourful stained glass and paintings that are in the cathedral. Of course, these wonderful images are best seen in person when you visit the cathedral with your school or family!  Top |
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The Animal Trail The Animal Trail is designed for primary school pupils and younger visitors. When you visit the cathedral, Noah would like you to help him find the animals. He has seen them in the cathedral, but he has forgotten where. Here are two that you might find, but there are many, many more. Top What makes Norwich Cathedral a Christian place of worship? The Normans and the Benedictine monks at Norwich Cathedral. A fearsome account of riots and natural disasters at Norwich Cathedral. Information on the Dissolution - when Henry VIII closed down the monastery and the monks lives were changed for ever. How the bitter Civil War between king and parliament affected the Cathedral in the 1640s. |
