121. SOUTH AISLE WINDOWS III

Windows 6 – 8: • This window designed by J Hardman & Co in the 1880s came from one of Norwich’s redundant churches and was installed here c. 1950 by G King & Co. It depicts ten incidents from the life of St Paul. •• The window was gifted by Samuel Bignold's children as a memorial to their father who died in 1875. Made by J Hardman & Co, the main panels show Christ in scenes from the Gospels where he looks after his ‘flock’ ••• This 1852 window designed by William Wailes (Newcastle) celebrates the memory of James and Barbara Hales. In the main lights from left to right we see: St Paul, Christ as the Saviour of the World (Salvator Mundi) and St James the Less. [Photo Credit: Mike Dixon]     PLAN

122. BISHOP NYKKE TOMB

Alongside the South nave aisle is the chantry tomb of Bishop Richard Nykke. These views show where the tomb is placed in relation to the altar rail and the South windows. The large memorial is in fact for one Thomas Tawell. Richard Nykke (c. 1447–1535) was bishop of Norwich, the last Roman Catholic to hold the post. Described as ‘ultra-conservative’, but also ‘much-respected’, he maintained an independent line and was embroiled in conflict until blind and in his last years.

123. CHANTRY CEILING

The Nykke tomb sits in its own arched alcove or chantry. The ceiling is delightfully decorated.

124. CLOISTERS

We now leave the Cathedral building, and proceed out into the cloister area due South of the nave. The cloisters date from the period 1297-1430, and are the second largest in England.

125. EAST CLOISTER

We shall walk around the cloister, beginning at the South East corner, and walking towards the Cathedral. The vaulting and roof bosses of the cloisters are superb - with the added advantage that the roof is much closer and you can more easily see the bosses in detail!

126. PRIOR’S DOOR

The main passage between the cloisters and cathedral is the Prior's Door in the North East corner. This is a 14th century doorway carved with mainly Biblical figures.    

127. DETAIL OF PRIOR’S DOOR

If we look closely at the ornamentation above the Prior’s door, we see the Risen Christ sitting at the centre with an angel on either side. To the right we can recognise Moses and King David. The figures to the left are less recognizable, although presumably the Bishop holding a model of the Cathedral is Bishop Herbert de Lozinga.

128. NORTH CLOISTER

We walk West from the Prior’s door. We catch a glimpse here of the variety of ceiling bosses. Bosses on the South and West walks show scenes from the Book of Revelations, while the East and North walks depict the life of Christ. The detail in these carved bosses is simply stunning. The cloister to the North, against the Cathedral, has some interesting wall decorations.    

129. CLOISTER PAINTINGS

I have been unable to identify this coat of arms in the North cloister.

130. WEST CLOISTER

Now we are in the West cloister looking towards the Cathedral. The sign is a direction into the Cathedral shop.    

131. SPIRE AND SLAB

From the South West corner we obtain a lovely view of the Cathedral spire – the second tallest spire in England, after Salisbury. There are many engraved slabs in the cloister paving. This example is for a certain John Watson and his wife, Mary.   

132. CLOISTER LAWN

Normally the greened area within a cloister is untouched, although sometimes there are trees, or graves. Here there appears to be a circular arrangement of stones. What is happening here? We shall look further into this!

133. CENTRE

In the centre of the circular pattern is this special round marker bearing the words ‘Golden Jubilee 2002’, placed around a Chi-Rho symbol. This refers to the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

134. EXTERIOR OF SOUTH CLOISTER WALL

South of the cloister, further building has taken place incorporating a refectory, library and public conveniences. The wall here is made of flintstone, a building material which is seen frequently in this part of England.

135. THE LABYRINTH

From an upper library window, we gain this view of the cloister lawn. We see that the lawn surrounds a labyrinth. A labyrinth serves the opposite purpose to a maze. It is designed to help you find your way. By encouraging you to walk without having to think about where to go next, it can enable you to be still, to let your mind escape the bustle of everyday life, and reflect.