Sarah Mitchell
The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, is a relatively young cathedral in Liverpool, England. Construction began in 1962 and was completed in 1967, with the Lady Chapel being completed as early as 1856. The cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Liverpool and the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral |
| Nicknames | Paddy's Wigwam, The Mersey Funnel |
| Architect | Frederick Gibberd |
| Construction began | October 1962 |
| Construction completed | May 1967 |
| Location | Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, L3 5TQ |
| Altar | Made of white marble from Skopje, North Macedonia |
| Floor | Marble in grey and white, designed by David Atkins |
| Benches | Designed by Frank Knight |
| Tower | Large areas of stained glass designed by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens |
| Crypt | Built according to Lutyens' design before construction was stopped due to World War II |
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What You'll Learn
Construction began in 1962 and was completed in 1967
Construction of the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, began in October 1962 and was completed in 1967. It is one of Liverpool's many listed buildings and is nicknamed "Paddy's Wigwam" or "The Mersey Funnel".
The cathedral's architect, Frederick Gibberd, was chosen through an open competition in 1960. His design was built upon the Lutyens crypt, the only part of the previous design that had been constructed before building work ceased during World War II. Gibberd's design responded to the dictates of the Second Vatican Council, which challenged the traditional Latin Cross design in favour of a building in which the congregation and celebrant of the mass could be closely associated. The building had to hold two thousand people, all with clear sight lines of the high altar.
The construction of the cathedral started in the same month that the Beatles released their first official single, "Love Me Do". It was completed five years later, in the same month that the band released its era-defining album "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". The cathedral was built quickly and economically, which led to problems with the fabric of the building, including leaks. A programme of repairs was carried out during the 1990s, including replacing the mosaic tiles with glass-reinforced plastic and the slate paving of the platform with concrete flags.
The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral is a symbol of Liverpool's cultural revival following the hardships of the Second World War and the 1950s. It is one of the UK's last great church projects of the 20th century.
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The architect was Frederick Gibberd
The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, is the seat of the Archbishop of Liverpool and the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool. It is Grade I listed and was constructed between 1962 and 1967.
Gibberd's design was built upon the crypt designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, which was the only part of Lutyens' original design that was constructed before World War II halted work. Lutyens' design was intended to be the second-largest church in the world, with the largest dome globally. However, after the war, the cost of completing this design was deemed too high, and so Gibberd's more modest design was chosen.
Gibberd also designed the front of the organ, using decorative woodwork. He was inspired by the innovative use of pipes at Coventry Cathedral and the Royal Festival Hall, arranging shiny zinc pipes and brass trumpets to contrast with the surrounding concrete pillars.
A smaller version of the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, also designed by Gibberd, was constructed in 1965 as a chapel for the former De La Salle College of Education in Middleton, Lancashire. This site is now occupied by Hopwood Hall College, and the chapel remains.
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It is Grade I/II*-listed
The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, dedicated to Christ the King, is a relatively modern construction when compared to other European cathedrals. Completed and consecrated in 1967, it is a young cathedral, especially considering that its construction was interrupted and the design altered significantly during its building. The original plans for the cathedral were far grander and more ambitious than what was eventually realised. Despite its modern construction, the cathedral is recognised for its architectural significance and is listed as a Grade I building. This status is bestowed upon structures that are deemed to be of exceptional interest, and the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral certainly fits that description. The building is an impressive example of modern architecture, showcasing bold and experimental design choices that set it apart from more traditional cathedral designs.
The Grade I listing is a testament to the cathedral's unique and distinctive character. The building's exterior is dominated by its vast, bold concrete structure, which encompasses a vast internal space. The interior is equally striking, with a central lantern tower that soars upwards, flooding the space with natural light. The design and construction of the cathedral were influenced by the social and economic conditions of the time, including the post-war era and the decline of traditional heavy industries in Liverpool. As a result, the cathedral embodies the spirit of innovation and experimentation that characterised British architecture in the mid-20th century.
Grade I and II* listings are reserved for buildings that are particularly important and significant, and the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral certainly meets these criteria. The building is an iconic landmark in Liverpool, recognised not only for its architectural merit but also for its role as a centre of religious and community life in the city. It is a popular tourist attraction, welcoming visitors from all over the world who come to admire its unique design and peaceful atmosphere. The cathedral also plays an active role in the cultural life of Liverpool, hosting a variety of events, exhibitions, and performances throughout the year.
The Grade I/II* listing of the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral reflects the building's exceptional architectural and historical significance. It is a powerful symbol of the city's resilience and innovation in the face of social and economic change. The cathedral stands as a testament to the ambition and vision of its creators, and its listing ensures that this remarkable structure will continue to be appreciated and protected for future generations to enjoy. Beyond its architectural importance, the cathedral serves as a spiritual haven for believers, a cultural hub for the community, and a must-see attraction for visitors to Liverpool, making it a truly integral part of the city's fabric.
The process of attaining a Grade I/II* listing involves a rigorous assessment by expert committees who consider a range of criteria. These include the architectural and design interest of the building, its historical significance, the degree of preservation, and the richness of its internal features. The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral's bold and innovative design, its association with key figures in modern architecture, and its role as a landmark in the city all contributed to its successful listing. The listing not only recognises the cathedral's importance but also ensures that any future alterations or developments take into account the need to preserve its special character and appearance.
The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral's Grade I/II*-listed status is a fitting recognition of its architectural and cultural significance, ensuring that this modern cathedral takes its place alongside older, more traditional cathedrals as a protected part of Britain's rich architectural heritage. The listing is a reminder that modern architecture can be just as significant and worthy of preservation as older, more established structures. The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral serves as an inspiring example of how modern design can create spaces that are both functionally and spiritually uplifting, solidifying its place as an iconic symbol of Liverpool's architectural landscape.
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The crypt is the only part built to Lutyens' design
The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, is a Grade I listed building in Liverpool, England. The cathedral was designed by Frederick Gibberd, whose design was selected as the winner of a worldwide competition. Construction began in 1962 and was completed in 1967.
The Liverpool Catholic Cathedral has a long history that dates back to the mid-19th century. In 1853, the co-adjutor Bishop of Liverpool, Alexander Goss, chose the grounds of St. Edward's College on St. Domingo Road, Everton, as the site for a new cathedral to accommodate the growing Catholic population. The commission for the building was initially awarded to Edward Welby Pugin, and by 1856, the Lady Chapel (later named Our Lady Immaculate) was completed. However, work on the building ceased due to financial constraints, and the chapel served as a parish church until its demolition in the 1980s.
In 1930, the site of the former Brownlow Hill workhouse was purchased, and Sir Edwin Lutyens was commissioned to design a cathedral that would rival the Neo-gothic Anglican cathedral designed by Giles Gilbert Scott. Lutyens envisioned a massive structure that would have become the second-largest church in the world, featuring the world's largest dome. The foundation stone was laid on June 5, 1933, and construction began with the crypt, a series of complex vaulted brick spaces intended to be faced with granite. However, work was halted in 1941 due to World War II and rising costs.
After the war, Lutyens' original design was deemed too costly, and it was abandoned with only the crypt completed. The crypt, built of brick and granite, is the only part of the cathedral that follows Lutyens' design. It served as an air-raid shelter during World War II and now hosts the annual Liverpool Beer Festival, attracting visitors from all over the world.
In 1959, a competition was held for a smaller cathedral design, and Frederick Gibberd's design was selected. Gibberd's design was built upon the Lutyens crypt, and the new cathedral was constructed from 1962 to 1967. The building features an altar made of white marble, a grey and white marble floor designed by David Atkins, and concentric benches designed by Frank Knight. The tower includes large areas of stained glass designed by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens in yellow, blue, and red, representing the Trinity.
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The interior features a baldacchino over the altar
The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, dedicated to Christ the King, is a relatively modern construction, completed and consecrated in 1967. It is a striking building, with a unique and distinctive appearance, and its interior is just as impressive and noteworthy. One of the most prominent and significant features within is the baldacchino that stands over the high altar.
A baldacchino, or baldachin, is a permanent canopy or structure that stands over an altar or throne, often supported by columns or pillars. It is a feature borrowed from ancient Roman architecture, where similar canopies were used to provide shade and protection from the elements. In a religious context, it symbolizes heavenly glory and honour, often associated with the altar or throne below.
The baldacchino inside Liverpool's Catholic Cathedral is an impressive and dominant feature. It stands tall, with four slender pillars supporting a canopy that reaches up towards the ceiling. The pillars are made of white stone, creating a bright and luminous effect, especially when contrasted with the darker hues of the surrounding interior. The canopy itself is adorned with intricate carvings and detailed motifs, adding a sense of ornate beauty to the structure.
Standing beneath the baldacchino, one immediately feels a sense of reverence and awe. The pillars create a sense of enclosure and intimacy, drawing attention to the altar, which is the focal point of the cathedral's interior. The baldacchino serves to emphasize the significance of the altar, both visually and symbolically, as the place where the sacred rite of the Eucharist takes place.
The design of the baldacchino also complements the overall architecture of the cathedral, which features a blend of modern and traditional elements. While the building's exterior is known for its bold, modern design, the interior incorporates more traditional features, such as the baldacchino, that connect it to the historical traditions of Catholic church architecture. This blend creates a unique and distinctive space that is both inspiring and welcoming.
Overall, the baldacchino inside Liverpool's Catholic Cathedral is a beautiful and significant feature that adds to the spiritual and aesthetic experience of visiting this remarkable place of worship. It stands as a testament to the skill of the architects and craftsmen involved and serves as a powerful symbol of the glory and honour attributed to the altar in Catholic tradition.
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Frequently asked questions
Construction of the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral began in 1962 and was completed in 1967, so it is currently between 55 and 60 years old.
Due to an increase in the Catholic population of Liverpool, the co-adjutor Bishop of Liverpool, Alexander Goss, decided that a cathedral was needed.
The Liverpool Catholic Cathedral was designed by Frederick Gibberd, who won an open competition to find a viable design solution.
Construction of the Liverpool Catholic Cathedral took five years, from 1962 to 1967.
