Norris finished Q3 just 0.241 seconds off Max Verstappen’s pole time, with team-mate Oscar Piastri a further tenth behind him.
He had clinched provisional pole in the closing stages before he was demoted by the reigning world champion’s best time, a 1m26.720s.
It marks the Woking-based team’s best qualifying of the year, with Norris’ previous best a third-place start in Barcelona.
Norris joked that Verstappen had “ruined everything” after he was pipped by the Dutchman’s final attempt, but said he was looking forward to Sunday’s race.
McLaren’s last British GP win came in 2008, courtesy of Lewis Hamilton.
Asked just how close he was to pole, Norris said: “I was close. I was P1 in Q1. I think it was P1 in Q2. And close, two tenths to P1 in Q3, so pretty insane.
“And my last lap was a good lap. I could hear Zak on the radio on the in lap, that was the best thing ever.
“Great for myself but also for both of us to be second and third was pretty amazing for the whole team.”
He added: “It's always Max, he always ruins everything for everyone. I am very happy. I've got a big thanks to the crowd here, it's been a very special day for us. I look forward to tomorrow.”
Source: Autosport