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 Liverpool
Cathedral, a spectacular Gothic building set on a majestic
site, is the largest cathedral in Britain and second largest
in the world, after St Peter's in Rome. The cathedral
is the masterpiece of Sir Giles Gilbert Scott.
With Sir Charles Barry's Palace
of Westminster it is one of the two finest buildings to be
constructed in the Gothic style since the Middle Ages.
Scott was only 22 years old when his design was chosen from
over 100 entries in the competition to design a cathedral
for the important new diocese of Mersyside. Edward VII
laid the foundation stone in 1904 and the work was finally
completed in 1978.
Scott worked on the cathedral
until his death in 1960 and would have seen it completed if
it were not for the interruption of the two world wars.
Although the cathedral was built in Gothic style the architect
used modern techniques and materials in its construction.
The cathedral is built of fine local red sandstone with superb
glass, stonework and works of art.
Liverpool Cathedral is dominated
by its great tower, which is 331 feet high and ranks with
Sir Charles Barry's huge Victoria Tower at the Palace of Westminster.
The cathedral has the highest and heaviest ringing peal of
bells in the world and the heaviest bell, 'Great George',
weighs almost 15 tonnes.
The interior of Britain's largest
cathedral is awe-inspiring. The building is 619 feet
long and can accomodate a congregation of 2,500. The
aisles are built as tunnels through the walls. There
is a huge canopy over the font and a great bridge over the
nave. Behind the high altar is a breathtaking reredos
and there is a magnificent English oak organ case. The
west window, created by Carl Edwards, is a spectacular sight.
Fine monuments have already been erected, including that of
Frederick, 16th Earl of Derby, first President of the Cathedral
Committee. The cathedral also has an impressive Lady
Chapel and fine octagonal chapter-house.
Liverpool Cathedral is noted
for its fine musical tradition. The visitor can also
see a unique collection of church embroidery and from the
the tower there are panoramic views. Approach the cathedral
from Rodney Street to truely appreciate the vast proportions
of the building..
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internet holiday and travel guide to the UK
Liverpool
Cathedral 
