St John the Baptist Cathedral

St John the Baptist Cathedral is a Catholic place of worship in Norwich built from light Caen stone with Gothic features including pointed arches and ribbed vaults topped by a 38-meter tower. The building houses the Narthex visitor center, which contains an education gallery, shop, refectory, and community garden.

Construction took place between 1882 and 1910 on the site of Norwich's former city jail, funded by the 15th Duke of Norfolk who wished to give thanks for his marriage. It became the region's first Catholic cathedral when officially designated in 1976.

The cathedral serves the local community as a gathering place for worship, where regular religious services bring people together throughout the year. It has become a spiritual center for Catholics in the region, welcoming visitors of all backgrounds.

The cathedral is located on Earlham Road and easily accessible to visitors who wish to explore the grounds and use the facilities at the Narthex visitor center. It is helpful to check opening times in advance to plan your visit and make the most of the education gallery and other amenities.

The cathedral rises on the former site of Norwich's city jail, transforming a place of confinement into one of spiritual worship. This dramatic change of purpose gives the building a distinctive story within the city's urban landscape.

Location: Norwich

Location: Norfolk

Inception: 1882

Architects: George Gilbert Scott

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Made from material: Caen stone

Website: http://sjbcathedral.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 52.62920,1.28400

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:32