Benedictine lectures 2026: Freedom and rules in the sculpture of Norwich Cathedral's cloister

Norwich Cathedral’s beginnings as a Benedictine monastery continue to inspire life at the Cathedral in the 21st century, and a series of lectures this summer will celebrate different aspects of our Benedictine heritage past and present.

This lecture on Wednesday 30 September will see the Revd Dr Robert Hawkins, Chaplain to Corpus Christi College in the University of Cambridge, put the spotlight on freedom and rules in the sculpture of Norwich Cathedral's cloister.

Tickets cost £5 plus booking fee.

To book for the entire series of lectures at the reduced cost of £50, email NCCL@cathedral.org.uk or call 01603 218443.

Living by the Rule of St Benedict

Our lecture series has been designed to complement a special exhibition taking place at the Sainsbury Centre which reflects on the enduring influence of St Benedict.

Living by the Rule: Contemporary Meets Medieval runs from May to October 2026 and the Cathedral is pleased to have loaned the Sainsbury Centre a number of objects from its collections for the exhibition.

We hope everyone will enjoy sharing in this celebration of a tradition that speaks powerfully to the needs of our world today.

Benedictine influence past and present at the Cathedral

Bishop Herbert de Losinga founded Norwich Cathedral in 1096 as a cathedral and Benedictine monastery combined.

Although monastic life came to an end with Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries in 1538, its heritage has left an indelible stamp on the life and ministry of this Cathedral ever since.

The Cathedral’s modern day Refectory and Hostry, built on the same sites as the original Benedictine buildings, are a striking sign of the renewal of the Cathedral’s mission in the 21st century.