The cathedral, located on Unthank Road, was constructed between 1882 and 1910 to designs by George Gilbert Scott, Jr. as a parish church dedicated to John the Baptist, on the site of the Norwich City Gaol.

The funds for its construction were provided by Henry Fitzalan-Howard, 15th Duke of Norfolk, as a gesture of thanksgiving for his first marriage to Lady Flora Abney-Hastings.

[4] In 2014, for the first time since 1558, a Pontifical High Mass was celebrated in this episcopal see's cathedral.

It comprises an Education and Interpretation Gallery, a shop, a refectory with outdoor patio, a function hall, licensed bar and community garden.

[8] The cathedral's parish also covers Holy Apostles Church, West Earlham, a suburb of Norwich.