MP Clive Lewis Visits St John the Baptist Cathedral

Clive Lewis MP recently visited the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich to learn more about the challenges it is currently facing, and to understand why it has been added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register.

He was joined by Tony Calladine, Regional Director at Historic England, and Trudi Hughes, Heritage at Risk Architect and Surveyor, who have been closely involved in supporting the cathedral. Together, they discussed the structural and financial issues that have led to the building’s inclusion on the register.

Matthew Champion, Heritage Officer for the Diocese of East Anglia, gave an overview of the historic lack of maintenance and the long-standing funding difficulties experienced by both the cathedral and the Diocese. He explained that, while many essential repairs have been identified, limited resources have made it difficult to keep pace with the building’s needs.

The team from Historic England has been instrumental in advising on necessary works and securing expert assessments, which they shared with Mr Lewis during the visit. Their ongoing support has been crucial in developing a plan for the building’s conservation.

Richard Maguire, Heritage Officer at the Cathedral, guided Mr Lewis around the ground floor, pointing out the exceptional craftsmanship and quality of materials used in its original construction. He also showed areas where the fabric of the building has deteriorated significantly in recent years.

Cathedral Manager Charley Purves then led the group into the roof space, where some of the most pressing issues were evident. Water ingress has caused damage to the structural timber, and roofing contractors are now on-site beginning specialist repairs, including work to address splits in the lead roofing that have contributed to the damage.

Mr Lewis expressed a strong interest in the works underway and in the broader funding landscape available to the Diocese. He acknowledged that public funding is under considerable pressure but pledged to advocate for continued and increased support for buildings like St John the Baptist, which form a vital part of the region’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

His visit was welcomed by the Cathedral team and the Diocese, who were grateful for the opportunity to share their concerns and hopes for the future of this much-loved place of worship.

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