The Hostry, part-funded by a generous grant from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, is the culmination of an 11 year building project, the largest at the Cathedral for 900 years.
A bold vision lies behind this ambitious plan. The Hostry, and its sister building, the Refectory restaurant & coffee shop, are the Cathedral's response to the needs of the new millennium. Through these buildings we can ensure that the Benedictine principles which guided the Cathedral's monastic founders reach out to, and connect with, people in today's rapidly changing world.
The Hostry stands on the footprint of the original monastic Hostry and replicates the role of that Hostry - a building where pilgrims and guests of Norwich Cathedral can be received in a Benedictine spirit of hospitality. It does so in a way appropriate to the 21st century, as an open building where
- visitors are introduced to the life, work and beauty of the Cathedral itself
- students can learn about its history, purpose and value and
- people from the whole community can come together socially or to engage with issues of common concern.
We have encapsulated the role of the new Hostry in a mission statement:
'A meeting place where people of all ages and backgrounds are made welcome and where learning and discovery enhance a visit to Norwich Cathedral'.
The Benedictine principles behind the vision
Underpinning and inspiring all that we do here at Norwich Cathedral are the three Benedictine principles of worship, hospitality and learning. These three principles are reflected in the layout of the Cathedral buildings. In the 21st century, just as in the time of the Priory, the Cloister lies at the heart of the complex and connects the three main buildings – Cathedral, Hostry and Refectory - one dedicated to each of those three Benedictine principles.
In the same spirit we have three Residentiary Canons, one taking responsibility for each of those three principles:
- Precentor – responsible for everything to do with the daily offering of worship, including Cathedral music, and arranging the many special services requested by city and county.
- Canon Pastor – responsible for pastoral care and hospitality of staff, volunteers, worshippers and visitors
- Canon Librarian – responsible for learning, in its widest sense, to include exhibitions, lectures, our work with schools, families, the community and the Library.