The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Norwich, is, rightly, acknowledged as one of the most splendid Victorian Gothic Revival buildings in this country. Its stonework is exquisite, and its stained glass is some of the finest to be seen anywhere in the world.
History of the Cathedral
Saint John’s looks like the perfect example of a medieval Gothic church, but it was created at the end of the nineteenth century. Building started in 1882 and finished in 1910. Originally functioning as a parish church, the building was elevated to cathedral status in 1976, becoming the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of East Anglia.
Saint John’s was designed originally by George Gilbert Scott Junior and continued after his early death in 1897 by his brother John Oldrid Scott. Paid for by the fifteenth Duke of Norfolk, it is a marvellous place in which to worship God and learn about the Catholic faith.
Stained Glass Windows
The stained-glass windows of the Cathedral are a vibrant showcase of religious art, depicting biblical stories and saints with stunning detail and colour.
Designed by the devout Catholics and supremely gifted artists, John Hardman-Powell and his son, Dunstan Powell, the windows were made by their company, Hardman & Co., one of the leading manufacturers of stained-glass in the world.
Fossils in Stone
The steps and pillars of the Cathedral are filled with hundreds of small fossils, mainly crinoid fragments and rugose corals, giving the stone a detailed, speckled appearance that provides a captivating window into prehistoric life. These fossils are set within Frosterley Marble, a dark, decorative limestone sourced from quarries near Frosterley in County Durham.
Different stones, each containing distinctive fossilized remains, are used throughout the Cathedral. The main structure features Jurassic limestone, valued for its durability against weathering. In contrast, the carvings and mouldings are made from Beer stone, a Cretaceous chalk that is less weather-resistant. Fossils are prevalent in these sedimentary rocks and can be seen throughout the Cathedral’s architecture.
Educational Visits
The superb architecture and magnificent stained-glass windows of the Cathedral provide teachers with a unique teaching opportunity. We aim to work with teachers and help them use the beauty and layout of the Cathedral as a means of helping their students to learn about, reflection upon, and come to a deeper understanding of Christianity.
We offer guided lessons for schoolchildren from Key Stage 1 to 5, exploring the history and beliefs of Christianity and Catholicism.
If you would like to bring a school or educational group to the Cathedral please contact us to book on 01603 724381 or heritage@sjbcathedral.org.uk. This helps us to book you in at a time which does not clash with other groups or liturgical events.
We would be happy to discuss any aspect of your visit so please contact us if you have any questions.
