The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool. Designed by architect Frederick Gibberd, the cathedral was consecrated in 1967. It stands on the site of a former workhouse and represents a significant departure from traditional Gothic cathedral architecture, utilizing a circular plan to reflect the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council.
The structure is characterized by its distinctive conical shape, often referred to as 'Paddy's Wigwam' by locals, and is topped by a lantern tower featuring stained glass by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens. The interior is designed to place the altar at the center, ensuring that the congregation surrounds the sanctuary, thereby emphasizing the communal nature of the Catholic liturgy.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Reinforced concrete, Portland stone, Mosaic, Stained glass
- Civilization
- British
- Accessibility
- Fully accessible with ramp access and lift facilities
- Date(s)
- 1962-1967
- Condition
- Active
- Original Function
- Cathedral
- Key Figures
- Frederick Gibberd, Archbishop John Carmel Heenan, John Piper
Early Plans and Lutyens' Design
1930sInitial attempts to build a Catholic cathedral in Liverpool began in the 1930s with an ambitious design by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Construction of the crypt began in 1933, but the project was halted by the outbreak of World War II and subsequent financial constraints, leaving only the crypt completed.
Post-War Competition
1959-1960Following the abandonment of the Lutyens design, the Archdiocese launched a new competition in 1959 for a more modest and affordable structure. Frederick Gibberd was selected from 300 entries, tasked with incorporating the existing Lutyens crypt into a new, modern design.
Consecration and Modern Era
1967-PresentThe cathedral was consecrated in May 1967. In the decades since, it has become a landmark of Liverpool's skyline. Ongoing maintenance, including significant repairs to the roof and mosaic elements, has ensured the preservation of its unique modernist aesthetic.
Cultural Significance
The cathedral serves as a symbol of Liverpool's post-war renewal and the city's strong Catholic heritage. Its design reflects the shift in Catholic worship toward a more participatory model, making it a key site for studying 20th-century ecclesiastical architecture and the impact of the Second Vatican Council on church design.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
There is ongoing discussion regarding the structural integrity of the original concrete and the long-term preservation of the mosaic tiles, which have suffered from environmental weathering. Additionally, architectural critics continue to debate the aesthetic success of the 'wigwam' design compared to the unbuilt Lutyens masterpiece.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open daily to the public. Entry is free, though donations are encouraged. Visitors are asked to respect ongoing services and maintain a quiet demeanor.
Best Times to Visit
Mid-morning or early afternoon when sunlight best illuminates the stained glass lantern.
Photography
Personal photography is permitted without flash. Professional photography requires prior permission from the Cathedral office.
Nearby POIs
22 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral: A History — Archdiocese of Liverpool. Liverpool Catholic Press (2017)View
- [2]The Architecture of Frederick Gibberd — Christine Boydell. RIBA Publishing (2009)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Reinforced concrete, Portland stone, Mosaic, Stained glass
- Civilization
- British
- Accessibility
- Fully accessible with ramp access and lift facilities