This study investigates the transformation of Norwich Cathedral Close from its 1096 foundation to approximately 1700. The author utilizes archaeological, visual, and historical evidence to reconstruct the landscape and buildings of the close, examining shifts in their use and meaning over time. Unlike previous studies, this work emphasizes the layout of the monastery and how spaces were perceived by various social groups, including the cathedral community, their servants, and visitors. Patterns observed at Norwich are contextualized with other cathedral-priories and urban/rural sites to illuminate the evolution of the English cathedral landscape over six centuries.

This study is positioned as an innovative contribution to understanding the English cathedral landscape, offering a long-term perspective that bridges the medieval and post-medieval periods. By focusing on the specific case of Norwich Cathedral Close, the author aims to provide a detailed contextual study of evolving sacred and social spaces within a single, enduring institution. The comparative approach suggests that the findings will have broader implications for understanding similar sites across England. The book's methodology, integrating diverse evidence types, is likely to appeal to scholars of medieval and early modern history, archaeology, and architectural history.