The constituency was created by the Representation of the People Act 1948 for the 1950 general election, and abolished for the February 1974 general election.
The Rural District of Forehoe and Henstead was previously part of South Norfolk, the former Rural District of Aylesham (now merged with the former Rural District of St Faith's) was part of North Norfolk, and remaining areas, to the north and east of Norwich, were part of the abolished constituency of East Norfolk.
Minor transfer to Norwich North under the provisions of Statutory Instrument 1951/325.
[2] On abolition, the Rural District of St Faiths and Aylsham was transferred to North Norfolk, the Rural District of Forhoe and Henstead to South Norfolk and the part of the Rural District of Blofield and Flegg to Yarmouth.
Small parts transferred to Norwich North and Norwich South due to expansion of the County Borough.