About Us

Norwich Cathedral is a Christian presence in the heart of Norfolk and the Diocese of Norwich.

It began, over 900 years ago, as the Cathedral church of a Benedictine Monastery, built to inspire by its sheer size and magnificence. The Cathedral continues to fill today’s visitors with a sense of awe and wonder.

The primary purpose of a Cathedral is to be a place of Christian worship. It was at the centre of the monastery and the focus of the monks’ most important work, the worship of God. Services were held here daily and still are to this day. A cathedral is quite literally ‘a house of prayer’.

A Cathedral, from the Greek word cathedra, meaning ‘seat’ or ‘chair’, is home of the seat of the Bishop. As the leader of the Church in this area, the seat is the place from which the Bishop teaches and leads the people. The bishop’s seat remains the focal point of the building.

Norwich Cathedral is also the focus of both city and county life. As well as playing host to special civic and legal services, it is also a venue for concerts, talks, exhibitions, degree ceremonies and other community events.

A governing body called the Chapter, led by the Dean of Norwich, oversees the day-to-day running and overarching mission of Norwich Cathedral.