Norwich Cathedral was begun in 1096. In 1094 under the Norman bishop Herbert de Losinga, the site for the cathedral was moved from its temporary location at Thetford after the Norman Conquest to Norwich. Building work began in 1096 on the east end of the church and the monastery which was the home for monks brought in from Canterbury. Bishop Losinga was also responsible for work at Hereford Cathedral. Losinga did not see the cathedral finished before he died in 1119. His successors continued the work on the incomplete nave and central tower. Fire in 1170 and a local riot in 1272 that resulted in destruction of the timber roof on both occasions did not damage the main stonework and the roof was replaced both times. In 1463 the central wooden spire was struck by lightening and caught fire. It was replaced in stone.
The two bishoprics of East Anglia and Dunwich (Suffolk) were merged into one and moved to Thetford which was an important town at the time and was in a central location.
Herbert de Losinga purchased the see (seat of the bishop) for the area around Norwich. The bishops seat was at Thetford but Herbert moved it to Norwich itself before starting the construction of a new cathedral.
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