Norwich Cathedral seen from the Cloisters

The Norman core of the Cathedral was built between 1096 and 1145, and is faced with cream coloured limestone from Caen.

The impressive spire dates from 1480 when Bishop James Goldwell ordered a new spire, which is the second tallest in England at 96m,

In terms of traces of past empires, the cathedral was built on an existing quarter of the Anglo-Danish city of Norvic, demolishing many houses. As well as a centre of worship it was also a statement of who were the masters now.