Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is the largest of its kind in the UK, the 5th largest in Europe, and the 8th largest in the world. Unlike the majority of cathedrals in the UK that were built and finished during the Middle Ages, the construction of Liverpool’s started in 1904, and it was finished in 1978. It dominates the city’s landscape, and I was immediately taken aback by the sheer size of the place as I approached the west front.
But how is something so magnificent so recent? Liverpool itself was granted a royal charter well back in 1207, and it operated as a trading port, but it wasn’t until the eighteenth century that the city’s significance started to grow with the import of goods from America and the West Indies.
It was this influx of wealth that contributed to the city of Liverpool today, and many of the other fine buildings that grace the area were built due to the increased prosperity. However, the transatlantic slave trade also partly played a role in the expansion of Liverpool, which is something that is still a topic of controversy today.
Early history
The Diocese of Liverpool was initially formed in 1880, but it wasn’t until 1902 that it was granted royal assent for the building of a new cathedral, with the site located on St. James’ Mount. Construction began in 1904 under the architects George Frederick Bodley and Giles Gilbert Scott, and it was built over a 74-year period. It survived two world wars and financial depressions, which was an outstanding achievement for the time.
In 1904 the foundation stone was laid by King Edward VII, and by 1907 Bodley had died, leaving Scott as the sole architect. He completely redesigned the main body of the cathedral, and it was approved in 1910. His changes to the exterior meant that there was more space for the interior, and he also made changes to the decorative style, adding a more modern touch to the original Gothic look.
When the First World War started in 1914, the construction of the cathedral had to be put on hold with the crypt being the only part that continued to be built. After the war ended work continued into the 1920s, but it was slow progress due to financial issues and economic hardship.
During the Second World War, Liverpool’s port status was a big target for the German Luftwaffe during the Blitz, and it was one of the most heavily bombed cities outside of London. Thousands were killed and injured, many were made homeless, and multiple iconic buildings were destroyed or damaged, including Liverpool Cathedral. In May of 1941, a bomb hit the south-east transept, damaging the roof and various stained glass windows.
By 1960, Scott had passed away, and the work was continued by his assistant Frederick Thomas, with the cathedral finally completed in 1978.
Nave and Great Space
Upon entering the cathedral through the west gate, you are greeted by the amazing Benedicite Window. It is inspired by an ancient text calling on all creation to sing praise to its Creator, and it is a true sight to behold. The window itself is around 1600 square feet and contains around 200,000 pieces of glass secured in place by specially designed bronze bars.
You can also see the unusual Dulverton Bridge, this strange architectural feature of the building shows just how much the cathedral stands out among others, as well as Scott’s skill when it came to the more modern design.
The position beneath the great central tower is also a breath-taking sight. It is known as the Great Space, and you can truly appreciate the work of the architects as you take in the pointed arches that lead the eye upwards towards the heavens.
Scott took the ideas of the medieval era and transformed them into a modern setting, using the materials and techniques of the age. The structure of the Great Space usually inspires awe and admiration when people first see it due to the use of light, space, and height.
The Chapter House
The Chapter House at Liverpool Cathedral is where meetings are held between Deans, Deacons, and Bishops, covering legal matters and ordinations. It was consecrated on July 24th, 1924, and has historic links to the Freemasons – it is dedicated to Edward Bootle-Wilbraham, who was a prominent member of the Freemasons in England, and it is decorated with Masonic symbols and traditions.
There is a beautiful marble floor adorned with a nine-pointed star, which is a representation of faith and spirit. The South Window is stained glass, and it is dedicated to the Freemasons who fought and died during the First World War.
The Lady Chapel
The Lady Chapel was completed in 1910, and some of its architecture is reminiscent of G.D. Bodley, the original lead architect. It is a beautiful building, often used for more intimate and mellow services, such as weddings and funerals. The original stained glass in the Lady Chapel was all destroyed in 1940, but the windows were restored using the original theme.
The restored windows celebrate women’s roles in church history, including women famous for their heroic deeds. These include famous medieval names, poets, writers, and reformers. Some notable heroines are Julian of Norwich, Christina Rossetti, and Elizabeth Fry.
The Tower and The Bells
Liverpool Cathedral is one of the biggest buildings in the UK, and the tower looms over the city, offering fantastic views. It is 331 feet tall and 500 feet above sea level, making this stunning piece of architecture one of the most spectacular landmarks in the country.
It is also known as the Vestey Tower, named after the generous benefactors who contributed towards its construction – the Vestey family. They gave over £300,000 towards the project, and a memorial to the family can be seen in the Great Space. The cathedral’s original design plans had a twin-tower concept, but these were scrapped after design alterations were made.
If you want to go to the top, prepare yourself for two lifts and 108 steps. While entry to the cathedral is free, with donations graciously appreciated, a tower tour will set you back a small fee.
As well as the cathedral being one of the biggest in the world, the bells are some of the highest and heaviest in the world. There are 12 swinging bells that weigh a whopping 16.5 tons, and at the centre of the peal there is Great George, which weighs an even more astonishing 15 tons just on its own. It is too heavy to swing, so it hangs in one place and can be struck with a hammer.
Great George is larger than Big Ben, and only Great Paul of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London surpasses this monstrosity of a bell. According to the Liverpool Archives, it took ten hours to pull Great George by rope into the bell chamber above the Great Space.
Many of the cathedrals in Britain are centuries old, with stunning architecture and breathtaking art to portray the Christian way of life. While Liverpool Cathedral is much younger, this outstanding 20th-century building maintained that same style, with stone-carved angels, artworks, altars, and stained glass that, to the unsuspecting eye, would certainly come across as a medieval masterpiece.
Liverpool Cathedral is a striking attraction, a diamond in the rough of the modern world, and a true symbol of religious and architectural significance in the UK. If you’re ever visiting the great city of Liverpool, take some time out of your day to tour this amazing place – I promise that you won’t regret it!
All images are my own unless otherwise stated.
References
https://www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk/
https://www.visitliverpool.com/listing/liverpool-cathedral/902301/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool_Cathedral
Liverpool Cathedral (2023). [Liverpool Cathedral Official Guidebook] by Michelle Evans/Liverpool Cathedral