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Our Engraving of the celebrated Erpingham Gate represents one of the ancient entrances to the Minster Yard. The other, called St. Ethelbert’s Gate, is a richly-decorated structure, but yields in beauty and interest to that which we have engraved. The latter was built as a species of architectural fine or penance, by Sir Thomas Erpiugham, to atone for a lucid interval, when he had espoused the doctrines of Wickliffe. This weakness passed away; he recanted his temporary backsliding, and thenceforth maintained the old faith as sturdily, and perhaps as intelligently, as the stone gateway which still reminds the visitor of the name and remorse of stout Sir Thomas Erpingham. Passing through either of these gates with such reflections as those old memorials of the past are calculated to excite, the cathedral bursts upon us in all the grandeur of its massive strength, surmounted, however, by a singularly lofty and elegant spire, which adds an additional grace to the noble tower in the centre. [170]

Bibliography

"Leaves from a Sketchbook: Norwich." Illustrated London News 53 (1868): 169-70. Hathi Trust online version of a copy in the Princeton University Library. Web. 25 May 2021.

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