Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King

A Bold Architectural Vision Rooted in History

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral is the fourth and current attempt by the Catholic Church in Liverpool to build a mother church for the diocese. The original grand design by Sir Edwin Lutyens, begun in 1928, was halted by World War II and never completed beyond its crypt due to prohibitive costs. In 1960, a worldwide competition sought a new design that could be built economically and quickly. Sir Frederick Gibberd’s winning design was realized between 1962 and 1967, embodying the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council by placing the altar at the center of a circular plan, fostering a communal worship experience.

Distinctive Circular Form and Structural Innovation

The cathedral’s circular footprint measures 59 meters in diameter and is crowned by a conical roof supported by 16 boomerang-shaped concrete ribs. These ribs carry the weight of the massive lantern tower, the Crown of Glass, which soars approximately 22.5 meters high. This lantern is composed of 1,120 square meters of stained glass panels designed by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens, using the innovative dalle de verre technique. The abstract glass design represents the Holy Trinity with vibrant shards of blue, green, red, and yellow, bathing the interior in colored light.

Interior Space Designed for Participation and Reflection

Inside, the altar crafted from white marble sourced in Skopje, North Macedonia, stands at the heart of the space, surrounded by concentric seating that ensures every congregant has a clear view. The floor’s grey and white marble pattern, designed by David Atkins, complements the circular layout. Around the perimeter are thirteen chapels, each with distinct designs and artworks by prominent artists such as Elisabeth Frink, Margaret Traherne, and Ceri Richards. The interior atmosphere is one of light, openness, and spiritual focus, enhanced by the filtered colors from the stained glass lantern.

The Historic Crypt and Its Multifaceted Role

Beneath the cathedral lies the crypt, part of Lutyens’ original vision, constructed from brick and granite. This space serves multiple purposes, including hosting the annual Liverpool Beer Festival and providing a tranquil exam venue for university students. The crypt also houses a treasury and offers visitors a glimpse into the cathedral’s layered history, with informative displays about Catholicism’s role in Liverpool.

A Living Cathedral with Community and Cultural Significance

More than a building, the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral functions as a vibrant spiritual hub. It welcomes visitors from all faiths and backgrounds, offering prayer, reflection, guided tours, concerts, and special events year-round. Its open-door policy and inclusive design reflect its role as the beating heart of Liverpool’s Catholic community and a landmark of modern religious architecture.

Architectural Challenges and Conservation Efforts

Built rapidly and economically, the cathedral experienced structural issues such as leaks and material degradation. During the 1990s, repairs replaced the original mosaic tiles with more durable glass-reinforced plastic and upgraded the lantern’s aluminium covering to stainless steel. These efforts have preserved the building’s striking appearance and ensured its continued use as a place of worship and public interest.