Cathedrals In Merseyside

Liverpool Cathedral

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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Gothic Cathedral