Liverpool Cathedral

History

Liverpool CathedralThe Anglican Cathedral was begun in 1904 and only completed in 1978. Designed by Giles Gilbert Scott, who won the commission to design the building at only 21 years of age, it is built mainly of locally quarried sandstone. It abounds in superlatives… the largest Anglican Cathedral in Europe, largest working church organ in the world (over 10,000 pipes), highest (219ft/67 m) and heaviest (31 tons) ringing peal of bells in the world, highest Gothic arches ever built, and so on, a veritable feast of craftsmanship.

This truly is ‘one of the great buildings of the world’ (John Betjeman)- a living, vibrant witness to God, standing over the City of Liverpool, the region and the Diocese it seeks to serve.

Despite its tremendous size, it holds a warm friendly atmosphere, enhanced on any trip by a free guided tour, whether as an individual, family or even part of an organised group. It also has audio tours if visitors prefer to wander at will, plus interactive workstations where you can find out about the building, its history and its heritage. This is topped off with an amzing 9 minute film in the newly created theatre where the cathedral is literally brought to life with the story told by one of its masons. An exceptional experience for all the family and historians. It includes a bistro Cafe on the new Mezzanine floor plus the established, and refurbished Egon Ronay award-winning Refectory for a light snack or a full meal of home-made fare. The brand new Cathedral book/gift shop carries a wide range of gifts, souvenirs, etc. High in the tower complex sits the Elizabeth Hoare Gallery of ecclesiaitical Edwardian and Victorian embroidery and then onwards and upwards to the top of the tower (over 300 feet/100m high)to take in the magnificent panoramic views across Liverpool, Merseyside and beyond.The tower and gallery are open all year (weather permitting of course!) including some Sundays (between services), Good Friday, Dec 24-26th and New Year’s Day plus occasions for special events/services. Educational visits to the Cathedral are a speciality and are particulary welcome.

 

Architecture

Gothic design but 20th Century built, mostly of local sandstone from a quarry 5 miles south of Liverpool City Centre, the vision of architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott who was only 22 yrs of age when he won the competition to build this magnificent cathedral with a design that originally boasted twin towers. This was later to be modified to a single central tower with monies donated by the Vestey family, great benefactors of this amazing place. It has no Crypt to open to the public but has part of its lower floor dedicated to a superb Function suite (The Western Rooms) used for church and commercial hirings for up to 200 people. Larger dining (Corporate) is hosted on the main floor of the cathedral. The Lady Chapel and the main Nave both boast fine works of art and large areas of glass dedicated to many of the founding ‘mothers’ and fathers of the city who engineered/influenced great social change in the city at the turn of the 20th century as well as portrayals of ecclestical magnificence

Attractions

ADMISSION TO THE CATHEDRAL IS FREE - DONATIONS ARE INVITED. FREE GUIDE LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE IN OVER 20 LANGUAGES

1. The Tower Experience - see Liverpool from the highest vantage point in the city with a full 360 degree spectrum available. (Entry fee applies to tower) Ticket includes access to Elizabeth Hoare Embroidery Gallery (ecclesiastical embroidery) within the tower complex showing Edwardian and Victorian pieces. This attracts visitors and Fine Arts Societies from all over the world
2. Audio tours available (extra European languages to be added in early 2008) - hire fee applies
3. Film of Cathedral - amazing 9 minute film in the specially built theatre opened in March 2007 - experience a ‘fly-through’ of the cathedral to get a feel for its scale. (Entry fee applies)
4. Enjoy a meal in either of the 2 restaurants, whether a simple snack or a full freshly cooked meal.
5. Enjoy a personal tour with a guide - FOC - to gain more insight (10am to 3pm weekdays - other times by arrangement - NOT Sundays)
6. Check out the interactive stations around the floor - FOC- giving great insight into the work, life, and history of this great place.
7. Browse the cathedral book/gift shop for a wide range of goods/books/gifts etc - plenty to meet the needs of families.

So much to see and do - give yourself at approx 3 hours to do it all justice if you can. Ask at the cathedral bookshop for details of ‘Combination’ tickets embracing many of the above attractions

Local Interest

Beatles Story
Albert Dock
Philharmonic Hall
Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King (RC) - only 1/2 mile away
Chinatown
Echo Arena (opened Jan 2008)
Duck Tours (land and river)
St George's Hall
On route of local tour bus from Albert Dock