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Norman Day special

To mark the return of the Bayeux Tapestry to Britain, Front Row explores the architecture and culture of Norman Britain.

Tom Sutcliffe and guests explore the architecture and culture of Norman Britain as part of a special day of programmes on Radio 4 marking the return of the Bayeux Tapestry.

From Durham to Peterborough, Lincoln to Norwich, the Norman invasion shaped British architecture, landscape and culture. Beginning in wood but later cemented in stone, power was expressed in the rounded arches and distinctive ornamentation of cathedrals and castles. Beginning in 1066, the Romanesque style can still be seen all over the country today, and Britain also bears the stamp of Norman cultural influence in other ways too - from illuminated manuscripts to our language and music.

With:

Helen Carr, writer and historian and author of Sceptred Isle: A New History of the Fourteenth Century

Janina Ramirez, art historian and author of Legenda: The Real Women Behind the Myths that Shaped Europe

Simon Jenkins, author of many books including England's Thousand Best Churches

Vicky Richardson, curator and writer specialising in architecture.

Also - John Goodall, Architecture Editor of Country Life, tours Lincoln cathedral and castle.

Producer: Eliane Glaser

Release date:

42 minutes

On radio

Thu 3 Sep 2026 19:15

Broadcast

  • Thu 3 Sep 2026 19:15

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