Norwich Cathedral Close: The Evolution of the English Cathedral Landscape

Studies in the History of Medieval Religion

by Roberta Gilchrist

This comprehensive study outlines the development of Norwich cathedral close from its foundation in 1096 up to c. 1700. Multi-disciplinary evidence is combined to reconstruct the landscape and buildings of the close, and transformations in their use and meaning over time. In contrast with previous approaches to cathedrals, the emphasis is placed here on the layout of the monastery, and the ways in which buildings and spaces were used and perceived by different social groups, including members of the cathedral community, their servants and visitors to the precinct. Patterns observed at Norwich are placed in comparative context with other cathedral-priories and appropriate urban and rural sites, to draw out the development of the English cathedral landscape over six centuries. This long-term perspective encourages a more holistic approach to historical archaeology, uniting evidence from across the traditional post-medieval divide. In contrast with all other categories of medieval monastery, cathedral-priories weathered the Reformation, and offer unique potential to study continuity and change through the eruptions of the Reformation and beyond. This innovative study both outlines the development of the cathedral landscape, and uses Norwich in a contextual study of changing sacred and social space in a single institution.

294 pages, Hardcover

First published November 17, 2005

About the author

Roberta Lynn Gilchrist, FSA, FBA (born 28 June 1965) is a Canadian-born archaeologist and academic specialising in the medieval period, whose career has been spent in the United Kingdom. She is Professor of Archaeology and Dean of Research at the University of Reading.