The bosses on the roof timbers number over 1,000. Each is decorated with a theological image and have been described as without parallel in the Christian world.
The precinct of the cathedral, the limit of the former monastery, is between Tombland and the River Wensum - building materials were taken up the Wensum and unloaded at Pulls Ferry. Cathedral Close, which runs from Tombland into the cathedral grounds, contains several properties.
The grounds also house the King Edward VI school, and statues to the Duke of Wellington and Admiral Nelson.
Gates
There are two gates to the cathedral grounds, both on Tombland (the pre-Norman marketplace). In 1420 Sir Thomas Erpingham, benefactor to the city, had the gate which bears his name built, sited opposite the west door of the cathedral leading into Cathedral Close.
The Cathedral Choirs
The Cathedral Choirs consist of boys, girls and gentlemen. The Cathedral Choir has places for around 16 boys aged from 7-13 years. The boys all attend Norwich School in the Cathedral Close, with at least 50% of their fees being paid by the Norwich Cathedral Endowment fund. With the gentlemen of the choir, the boys sing at six services a week and often more during special times of year such as Easter and Christmas. There are 12 gentlemen of the choir, six of them being choral scholars (often Music students from the University of East Anglia). The gentlemen of the choir sing with the boys' choir, but also sing fortnightly with the girls' choir at Tuesday evensong. The boys and gentlemen of the Cathedral Choir are currently (2006) directed by Mr David Dunnett.
The Norwich Cathedral Girls' Choir was formed in 1995 to give girls the chance to contribute to the musical life of the cathedral. It has places for 24 girls, who are older than the boys, at the secondary age of 11-18 years. The girls do not all attend the same school, instead coming from a wide variety of schools around Norwich and Norfolk. They sing evensong once weekly (alternately on their own and with the gentlemen of the Cathedral Choir) and at least one Sunday Eucharist a term. The girls sing more often during busy times of the year such as Easter and Christmas. The Girls' Choir is directed by assistant organist Mr Julian Thomas.
Both choirs regularly go on musical tours - recent locations including United States of America, Malta, Holland, and Norway -, sing at other churches around the diocese and release choral CDs.
The other Cathedral
It is one of two cathedrals in the city, the other being the Roman Catholic St John the Baptist Cathedral, Norwich, built 1882. As the two cathedrals are at opposite ends of the city, this can cause some confusion amongst tourists who are directed towards 'the cathedral'.
As the oldest and most established of the two, this is felt to be the 'main' cathedral in the city.
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