When people talk about Norwich Cathedral, they usually don’t mean St. John the Baptist Cathedral. This beautiful building is a bit overshadowed by the more famous medieval cathedral that dominates the city center. While the more prominent cathedral is a church of England building, St. John the Baptist Cathedral belongs to the Catholic church. Make the time to visit this striking Victorian place of worship as well as its larger counterpart. You will find it well worth the effort.
St. John the Baptist Cathedral dates back to 1882, when Henry Howard, the 15th Duke of Norfolk, commissioned its construction. The original architect, George Gilbert Scott, was certified insane midway through the project and his brother John Oldrid Scott took over. Perhaps this delay was the reason that the building was not completed until 1910. Regardless, the long process certainly paid off. Visit the building today and you will find that it is a true gem, a masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates the Victorian neo-Gothic style.
Stay alert as you explore the building and you will notice unexpected features and intriguing details. Look at the steps to the doorway and see how tiny fossils are sprinkled throughout the stone. Inside the nave, too, you will find yet more fossils imbedded in the pillars. Make sure you take the time to look at the windows as well, as many of them feature beautiful stained glass. The stained glass in the Sunken Chapel is particularly impressive.
The cathedral’s high tower is another feature that stands out. Join one of the Saturday tower tours held during the warmer months and you can climb the 280 steps to the top. Prepare to be rewarded with excellent views across Norwich.
Walk slightly to the west of Norwich town center and you will soon see St. John the Baptist Cathedral. The building is open to the public every day, and people of all faiths are welcome. Masses are held throughout the week.
