St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Norwich

The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Norwich is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, celebrated for its intricate stonework and world-class stained glass. Located on Unthank Road, this Roman Catholic cathedral serves as the seat of the Bishop of East Anglia and the mother church of the Diocese of East Anglia, within the Province of Westminster.

Constructed between 1882 and 1910, the cathedral was originally designed by George Gilbert Scott Jr. and later completed by his brother, John Oldrid Scott, after George’s early death. Funded by Henry Fitzalan-Howard, 15th Duke of Norfolk, as a gesture of gratitude for his marriage to Lady Flora Abney-Hastings, the cathedral stands on the site of the former Norwich City Gaol. It was initially a parish church dedicated to John the Baptist but was elevated to cathedral status in 1976.

The cathedral’s stunning stained-glass windows, created by John Hardman-Powell and his son Dunstan Powell of Hardman & Company, depict vibrant biblical stories and saints. These windows are a highlight of religious artistry, showcasing intricate detail and vivid coloration. Complementing the stained glass, the cathedral’s architecture features Frosterley Marble and Jurassic limestone, adorned with countless fossils, including crinoids and rugose corals, offering a glimpse into prehistoric life.

Within the cathedral grounds, the Duckett Library, named after Canon Richard Duckett, houses 3,000 religious publications and serves the congregation. Opened in 2012, the library is managed by volunteers and requires membership for access. Nearby, the Narthex visitor center, inaugurated in 2010, includes an Education and Interpretation Gallery, a shop, a refectory, a function hall, a licensed bar, and a community garden, enhancing the cathedral’s role as a community hub.

Saint John’s Cathedral, alongside the Church of England Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, represents the dual ecclesiastical heritage of Norwich. While its Gothic design evokes medieval grandeur, its late 19th-century origins and modern adaptations make it a remarkable fusion of tradition and innovation, offering both a spiritual sanctuary and an architectural wonder.