Architecture

Some key questions to investigate

• What is a Cathedral?
• Why is this place considered special to some people?
• What is a Benedictine monk?
• Who were the Normans and why did they build a Cathedral in Norwich?
• How are the semi-circular arches built?  Why are they strong?
• Why would someone leave Graffiti in a Cathedral?
• What was a Mason’s job?  What marks might they have left?
• Would it be acceptable today to leave Graffiti in a church or Cathedral?

Links to deeper online learning

The Norfolk Medieval Graffiti Survey includes teacher’s notes on medieval graffiti in Norfolk. It expands on the variety and possible meanings of the graffiti found in Norfolk churches and Norwich Cathedral. It also includes activities and worksheets for children including:

• Find out about ritual protection marks including pentangles and compass drawn patterns. 
• Create their own mason’s mark using only straight lines

Debate: Is it right to leave graffiti?  If so where is it acceptable and where would you say it isn’t?

Watch this BBC report on whether Bristol should keep some graffiti and if so, which ones?

Creative ideas

Look at pictures of Graffiti artists ‘tags’ and then design your own.

Look at the work of Graffiti artist Keith Haring, who is known for his bold, graphic style of art, and create your own action drawings.