Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Anglo-Saxon Cathedral and the Bishop's Chapel


During a recent trip to Norfolk, England, I visited the ruins at North Elmham. I found the whole site fascinating and intriguing. The design of the chapel appears to be unique, combining flanking towers in the 'armpits' of the transept. The style of architecture is reminiscent of the churches in Germany from the 9th through the 12th centuries, and I wondered if the chapel design reflected the bishop's personal taste. If a visitor has an interest, I highly recommend visiting this very quiet and secluded ancient site.

The following information was provided by a small booklet published by the North Elmahm Parish Council.
The ruin at North Elmham have perplexed generations of architectural historian. Some have believe that they include the remains of the pre-Conquest cathedral, but the current view is that they represent a Norman bishop's private chapel, built on the site of the timer cathedral at Elmham which was transferred in 1071 to Thetford, and from there to Norwich in 1094.