Norwich Cathedral

When we visit an Anglican cathedral in the UK we have fairly clear expectations of what we'll find inside: soaring arches, bright stained glass, intricate carvings and stone - lots of gleaming stone. We often forget that church interiors - and in particular cathedral interiors - weren't always like that.

Only a few churches still have traces of the rich decoration that once covered their walls and ceilings, but there are remarkable survivors at Norwich, where brightly coloured and complex designs are still visible.

These decorative remains date from the 12th century. It was a time when churches also had stories from the scriptures illustrated on the walls. Most of the populace would be unable to read, so the tales were painted for them to see for themselves.

Doom paintings were also common around this time. They depicted the Christian version of what is supposed will happen on Judgement Day, when the blessed will be taken to heaven to sit at the right hand of god and sinners will be condemned to hell.  Many doom paintings have vivid images of the daemons and tortures that await the unholy- a sure reason to behave according to church law!