Norwich: Catholic cathedral added to heritage 'at risk' register

St John's Cathedral, Norwich. Image: Keith Morris

Source: Diocese of East Anglia

The Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich has today (November 14) been revealed as "at risk" by Historic England in its annual Heritage at Risk Register 2024.

The Cathedral, which was completed in 1910, is deemed "at risk" due to issues with the rainwater pipes, which are at full capacity, and failing gutters, leading to leaks into the roof. Investigation work will be carried out to understand the scale of the repair work needed and to prevent continuing damage. Short term repairs to address leaks have already been carried out.

The Register gives an annual snapshot of the health of England's valued historic buildings and places. It helps to ensure they can be protected and continue to be enjoyed in the future.

St John's Cathedral is among 29 sites added to the Heritage at Risk Register in the East of England with 14 sites saved and removed.

One of Norwich's most spectacular buildings and a community hub for many local people, St John's was designed by the prominent architect George Gilbert Scott Junior and was completed in 1910 by his brother, John Oldrid Scott.

It was originally built as the parish church for the Catholics of central Norwich and became the Cathedral of the newly created Diocese of East Anglia in 1976. It is the second largest Catholic cathedral in the country.

As one of Norwich's finest buildings, the Cathedral attracts visitors from across the world with its external grandeur, magnificent interior, and beautiful stained glass.

The Cathedral is home to many groups supporting the local community. The parish hosts an active St Vincent de Paul Society group, supporting those in need in the city, and the Justice and Peace Group. The Cathedral has also supported Norwich City Council in offering space for winter night shelters for rough sleepers in Norwich.

With keep fit, Zumba, and mother and baby groups also using the facilities, the Cathedral is a safe haven for many and there are a number of volunteers who support the Cathedral for this reason.

Cathedral General Manager, Charley Purves, said: "Our Cathedral provides space for so many people, from school and college visits learning about the architecture and Catholic traditions, to community outreach groups like the Prison Fellowship and Justice and Peace groups. This building is pivotal to the lives of those who regularly come to worship and a beacon for visitors of all faiths and none.

"Highlighting the issues that the building faces is the first step to enhancing what the Cathedral has to offer and ensuring that we preserve it for current and future generations."

Matthew Champion, Diocesan Heritage Officer, said: "The Cathedral of St John the Baptist is an iconic building, built in the medieval Early English style, as a reflection of the nineteenth century Catholic revival in England, and is a masterpiece of Victorian gothic architecture. It also is a significant local and regional landmark that dominates the skyline of the city of Norwich.

"However, it faces a number of challenges. A historical lack of maintenance, some poor-quality previous repairs, and some questionable choices of building material have all combined to put the future of this fantastic building at risk. The Cathedral is also struggling to cope with the effects of climate change, with the Victorian gutters and downspouts being simply overwhelmed by the increased levels of rainfall in recent years."

"In recent weeks we have made the most urgent and necessary emergency repairs to keep water out; and submitted an application to Historic England for grant funding for the first stage of a wider programme of works to roofs and rainwater goods to address the longer-term issues?"

"The care and maintenance of the Cathedral is a continuous process. The most recent Quinquennial (five years) Inspection identified work of varying urgency that totalled over £8 million. Since that inspection we have spent over £1 million on urgent repair work to the Transept roof, gutters, electric circuits, and the refurbishment of the toilets and drains, thanks to grants from Historic England, All Churches Trust and Biffa and donations from supporters.

"Whilst acknowledging that such as fantastic building as St John's Cathedral is at risk is always a sobering moment, it is also an opportunity to focus upon the challenges of making it safe once more. We therefore welcome being added to the 'at risk' register as an opportunity to bring together the Diocese and local community to work together to secure the future of the building."

The Diocese of East Anglia has recently appointed award-winning Conservation Architect Nicholas Warns as the new Architect (Surveyor of the Works) at St John's Cathedral.

LINKS

To find out more and consider a donation visit: https://sjbcathedral.org.uk/donate/

Heritage at Risk: https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/heritage-at-risk/