ST. MICHAEL’S CHAPEL, TOMBLAND, stood on the site of the obelisk, and was
one of the most ancient religious buildings in Norwich. It was founded
by the Earl of the East Angles long before the Conquest and prior to the
building of the Cathedral; served as a chapel for the use of their
palace, which stood facing the south side of the chapel-yard; and
occupied the south end of Tombland, from the monastery gate to the chapel
ditch. Bishop Herbert demolished it, and the whole site was laid open
for the improvement of the monastery, and a stone cross was erected on
the spot. Instead of this, the Bishop built another chapel on the summit
of the hill outside of Bishopgate, and dedicated it to St. Michael.
* * * * *
ST. NICHOLAS’ CHAPEL, Bracondale, was situated at the corner of the road
now leading to Carrow Bridge. It was much frequented by fishermen and
watermen, who were then numerous, and who made offerings there to St.
Nicholas, their patron saint. It was founded before the Conquest and was
parochial; but in the time of Edward II. the parish was returned as
belonging to Lakenham, with which it is now united.
* * * * *
ST. OLAVE’S CHAPEL, near King Street Gates, was a parochial chapel long
before the Conquest, and in the reign of Edward III. the parish was
united to that of St. Peter Southgate. The chapel was demolished before
1345.
MONASTIC INSTITUTIONS.
Mr. Taylor’s _Index Monasticus_ contains the fullest account of the old
monasteries which, at one period, were very numerous in the city. Many
of them possessed large churches, great wealth, and considerable power.
They comprised Priories, Friaries, and Nunneries, which were situated in
or near King Street, or St. Faith’s Lane, or the Cowgate. Formerly all
the west side of the river was called the Cow-holm, where cows fed on the
meadows, and Cowgate consisted of open fields.
PRIORIES.
The Benedictine Priory at the cathedral was founded by Bishop Herbert as
already noticed. The Priory of St. Leonard’s was founded by Bishop
Herbert before he built the cathedral, and here he placed the monks while
the priory was being built. It was situated on Mousehold Heath, opposite
Bishop’s Bridge, and served as a cell to the cathedral priory till the
Dissolution. At the Dissolution it was granted by Henry VIII. to Thomas,
Duke of Norfolk, whose son Henry, Earl of Surrey, erected on its site a
splendid house, called Surrey house, which has long since fallen into
decay. St. Michael’s Chapel, built by Bishop Herbert, was near the
priory, and served by monks. It was demolished by the rebel Kett, who,
with his followers, encamped near it, so that it has since been called
Kett’s Castle. Near the remains of this chapel, in the valley beneath,
was Lollard’s Pit, the spot where many of the early Reformers were
burned.
FRIARIES.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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