Away from the Cathedral in Norwich Castle, we find this pair of doors which once belonged to the Cathedral Infirmary. This was situated just South of the Cathedral, but was demolished in 1804. The doors are thought to date from the 13th century. PLAN
22. MEMORIAL STONE
This stone at the South West corner of the nave carries an inscription: ‘From the people of Caen, commemorating their link with Norwich Cathedral. 1096 – 1990. Sur cette pierre je bâtirai mon eglise.’ (Based on Matthew 16:18.) We now enter the Cathedral. The normal visitors’ entry is via an entrance near the cloisters.
23. WEST WINDOW
The tracery in this window dates from the early 15th century. It was installed by Bishop William Alnwick and was a copy of the West Window in Westminster Hall. Following the Reformation all stained glass was destroyed and replaced by plain glass. In 1854 the present window was designed and made by George Hedgeland at a cost of £1500 in memory of Bishop Edward Stanley. There are six main scenes. The Nativity of Christ is paired with Moses in the bulrushes, the Ascension of Christ is paired with the brazen serpent, and Christ teaching is paired with the Ten Commandments.
24. WEST DOORS
The main entry to the Cathedral is via these large wooden doors below the West window. Steps lead down to the floor of the nave. Perhaps the Wensom River does not flood very often!
25. NAVE
Time to admire the nave! Large fluted columns supporting rounded Norman arches march to the front where we see the organ pipes and below, the nave altar. The Cathedral shop is visible at right. Part way down the centre nave aisle is the copper baptismal font, and a mysterious figure is suspended from the ceiling closer to the front.
26. NAVE ROOF AND A CLOSER VIEW
Above the nave is some glorious fan vaulting. Beyond the font, we now see the pulpitum below the organ, and in front of the altar a little ‘fence’. Also visible are the pulpit, two spiral columns, and some banners and memorials which will be useful for later navigation!
27. ANGEL FIGURE
This angel figure is a feature for the Easter season. Created from woven willow, and with words such as peace, hope, faith and love colourfully decorating its wings, it is a striking feature amid the magnificent surrounds of the cathedral. It carries on an old tradition. In the middle ages a censing angel, from which incense was burned, hung in the cathedral’s nave during special occasions.
28. BAPTISMAL FONT
The copper vessel was originally used for the manufacture of chocolate in Norwich. When the factory closed,the equipment was refashioned and presented to the Cathedral for use as a font. Here the sacrament of baptism is celebrated.
29. NORTH NAVE
As we prepare to examine the Cathedral in some detail, we move across to the North side of the nave. The five Western-most windows on this wall are of diagonal lattice design, with plain glass, and a small colourful feature panel. Below, the wall is lined with rounded arches bearing names. These obviously need updating from time to time.
30. WALL PANELS
These panels list the High Stewards of Norwich Cathedral from 1549. Additions for the year 2007 are still being made on an adjacent list.
31. WINDOW ROUNDELS
Here are the feature panels on the first five North nave windows. From left we have: • Roundel made of 16th century glass, depicting the Arms of Henry VII. • Early 17th century roundel depicting the Arms of James I & VII in a garter, with supporters. • A 16th century panel of continental glass depicting the heraldic badge of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. • Early 16th century roundel depicting the Arms of Talbot, Earls of Shrewsbury, within a garter. • 17th century glass bearing the Arms of Charles I within a Garter with supporters and the motto ‘Dieu et mon Droit’. [Photo Credits: Mike Davis]
32. PEACE GLOBE
The Peace Globe on the North side is a place where candles can be lit as a reminder of the light and love of God, and to remember family and friends. It is in the fourth bay, as can be determined from the window behind.
33. LOOKING DOWN THE NORTH AISLE
In Bay 5 is the tomb of Sir J. Hobart, with a memorial above on the column. Looking down the aisle to the East, we see in the distance a doorway passing through a decorative arch, and the bright pastel shades cast by the three modern windows.
34. TOMB AND MEMORIAL
This is a monument to Sir James Hobart who died in 1507. The raised chest-tomb of freestone is surmounted by a well-defined brass indent of two effigies. The memorial gives a poetic accolade in memory of Osberto Parsley. He was born in 1511 and died in Norwich in 1585. He spent most of his life in Norwich where he was a 'singing man' in the Cathedral choir.
35. NORTH NAVE WINDOWS I
The sixth and seventh windows on the North wall sit above further arches bearing memorial plaques, and a bust on the right. The window to the left is a 1914–1918 memorial window. The central figure is a crusader knight, his shield bearing the arms of Norfolk County Council. Above a scroll reads 'The path of duty is the way to glory'. On either side, under architectural canopies, are depicted scenes of soldiers in trenches. [Continued ...]
36. NORTH NAVE WINDOWS II
[Continued ... ] The c. 1918 window at right is "..... dedicated by the 7th (Princess Royal’s) Dragoon Guards to the glory of God and in affectionate remembrance of their comrades who lost their lives in the service of their King and country during the Great War 1914 - 1918". The Guard's Regimental badges are depicted in the traceries. In the main lights a splendid figure of St George is flanked by armoured figures representing Victory and Valour.
37. ACROSS THE NAVE
The pews in the nave extend a surprisingly short distance forwards from the back. This view shows the altar rail across in front of the pews. We note the banners on either side, the pulpit and the spiral column. We can also see the Eastern-most of two adjacent decorated arches on the South side.
38. BANNERS
The Mothers’s Union banner at left has a family scene at the centre and belongs to the Norwich Diocese. I might guess that the banner at right speaks of Pentecost or the Holy Spirit: it has flames and a phoenix(?). On the other hand, it may be a baptismal banner! The stylish Royal arrangement at centre is attached to the inside of the column supporting the left banner.
39. FURTHER NORTH NAVE WINDOWS
The c. 1909 window at left is believed to have been made by Powell & Sons of Whitefriars. It is a memorial to William Lefroy, Dean of the Cathedral from 1889 to 1909. The main centre panel depicts St. Paul preaching on the Areopagus in Athens. The c. 1849 window at right is attributed to William Warrington. It was erected in memory of William Smythe. We see angels playing musical instruments, whilst below are events from the life of Christ: the Adoration of the Magi, the Crucifixion, and Christ as a child in the Temple.
40. GEORGE PELLEW BRASS
This brass plaque is to be found on the blank stretch of the North nave wall towards the Eastern end. George Pellew (1793–1866) was an English churchman and theologian, and Dean of Norwich from 1828.