A Japanese karesansui garden arrangement has been built in the consecrated ground of the Norwich Cathedral. The cathedral founded in 1096 is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Britain serving as a place of worship for over 900 years. The new Sainsbury Japanese Garden links the 11th century cathedral to the newly opened Hostry built on the original monastic ground, and offers all visitors a moment for contemplation and a space for physical, temporal and spiritual transitions as they traverse between the two historic sites.
The original request for the Japanese garden came from The Reverend Canon Jeremy Haselock, who has visited Japan many times. He drew on the strong parallels between the monastic experiences in the Benedictine order and Buddhism.
On 4 May Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, and the Duke of Edinburgh viewed the garden and met one of the designers, Graham Hardman, National Chairman of the Japanese Garden Society (UK), (the other designer being Robert Ketchell, previous Chairman of the Society) as part of the official opening of the Hostry Visitor and Education Centre and the Refectory.
The Institute would like to thank everyone who offered very generous support, especially Lord Sainsbury of Turville, Sir Hugh and Lady Cortazzi, Friends of the Sainsbury Institute, and members of the Japanese Garden Society in the realization of the garden.
Norwich Cathedral
Embassy of Japan in the UK
The Japanese Garden Society