Norwich Cathedral

Book excerpt: Norwich Cathedral, founded in 1096 by Bishop Herbert de Losinga, is of outstanding importance both architecturally and historically. Its archives, dating back to the time of its foundation, as well as the building itself, its decoration and contents, constitute an unbroken and fascinating record. Norwich Cathedral, 1096-1996 deals with all aspects of the church's history, both institutional and artistic. Written by experts, and heavily illustrated, it has been designed to be accessible to the general reader. The building itself is Romanesque, augmented by later Gothic campaigns. It has of course also undergone repair and modification throughout the centuries both in detail and occasionally in substance. It nevertheless keeps its early identity essentially intact. Its contents, from all periods of its history but notably the middle ages, are themselves of great interest: the medieval roof bosses are uniquely rich, as are the wall paintings.