Get into to spirit of Norwich Cathedral

The book that tells the story of Norwich Cathedral

It is a beautiful pocket picture book which tells the extraordinary story of a building which has been at the heart of Norwich life for hundreds of years.

The Spirit of Norwich Cathedral, by Daniel Tink and Stephen Browning, lives up to its name, and by opening the pages you get a real flavour of the amazing story behind the city's landmark... it makes you want to go and take in the wonders of the building and all that it offers.

The text and all the photographs are brand new and have been specially commissioned. The authors hope locals and visitors enjoy the book telling the story of this awe-inspiring and fabulous place, and that it makes them want to take a look for themselves.

Everywhere, and especially in the nooks and crannies, there are reminders of more than 900 years of worship, life, love, struggle, devotion and even destruction.

There are memorials to the gallery of people, young and old, rich and poor, who built and cared for the cathedral along with axe marks and even a lodged musket ball reminding us of those who tried to destroy it.

There are the world-renowned bosses and misericords, the chapels, the library and the new Hostry – the cathedral and the surrounding Close offer so much, this is Norwich at its finest.

The cathedral is one of the top architectural and spiritual treasures of Europe yet it may have started life as an act of penance.

Herbert de Losingo, the founder, sought forgiveness from the Pope for the act of simony, having paid nineteen hundred pounds to have himself made Bishop of Thetford at the age of 37.

The Pope granted him absolution provided he moved the bishopric to Norwich and built a cathedral there. The foundation stone was laid in 1096 by Herbert himself.

Built partly of Caen stone from France and Barnack stone from Cambridgeshire, the exact financing of the cathedral is a matter of some conjecture.

Probably, the thriving Jewish community in Norwich lent money. Christians were only allowed to donate, not lend, and we know Herbert gave large sums as did other noblemen

Herbert also had the power to slap a tax on houses of ordinary citizens.

He was an enthusiastic and increasingly impatient man. Following his death in 1119, Eborard de Montgomery, who succeeded him, completed the rest of the cathedral much as we see it day by the time he retired in 1145.

The Spirit of Norwich Cathedral by Daniel Tink and Stephen Browning is published by Pixz and is a little gem – and I have six copies of this book to give away.

Answer this question: Name the Queen who visited the cathedral in 1578.

Put your answers on a postcard and send them to me at Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE, or email them to derek.james@archant.co.uk

Please include your address and telephone number.

The first six names out of the hat with the correct answer get a book. Entries must be received by Friday, October 8, and usual Archant rules apply.