The largest and smallest (probably) in the country
The Cathedral
In the largest Cathedral close it the country (about 44 acres or 18Ha) stands the largest Cathedral cloisters in England.
During the 1272 riots the original single storey Norman structure was damaged by fire. Some of the buildings around all but the North side still contain remnants of 12 century masonry. Most of the cloisters however date from the 133 year two storey rebuild paid for by the monk. The reason the rebuild took so long not only due to a lack of money but also the black death (1347- 1350) .
On the north wall is are Elizabethan wall paintings of coats of arms.
The labyrinth in the middle was built in 2002 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth the seconds Golden Jubilee.
The Cathedral Cloisters are open to the public daily as is the rest of this fine building.
A nearby medieval Hospital Complex
Foundered in 1249 by Bishop Walter de Suffield and originally known as the hospital of St. Giles it cared for derelict clergy. It also allowed a number of the poor of Norwich food and a warm by the fire during winter months and special dates. The only part of The original building has survived. This being the simple porch on the south of the Church.
The buildings of the hospital were laid out similar to a monastery or priory around what is believed to England's smallest cloisters. Over a thousand hospitals were founded in medieval England, yet very few survived the upheavals of the Reformation indeed, only this place, which is now a retirement home for the elderly, has retained both its medieval fabric and a major archive.
This Hospital has an almost unparalleled record of care. Indeed, today it is home to a number of elderly residents, who enjoy the provision of sheltered accommodation, nursing care, and, above all, support in a dignified, yet friendly and historic environment.
I hope you understand, therefore, while you are welcome to come and visit the hospital for yourself, They ask that you do so on an organised tour (maximum of 25 people). Tours need to be pre-arranged by phoning Sorry I can not give contact information .
They do however now have a history room at the bottom of the Church tower that is open on Friday morning and The Eagle ward and Church are open on special days and during Norwich Heritage week.
CONGRATULATIONS AJM590 ON FIRST TO FIND