Grade one status for Liverpool Met Cathedral
Hailed as the “soul of the city”, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King’s new listing cements it as one of the most architecturally and historically important buildings in the country.
The Department for Culture, Media, and Sport announced the post-war Catholic building’s upgrade from grade two star-listed to grade one-listed on Tuesday. Historic England advised DCMS on the decision.
The cathedral was celebrated for bringing together the work of architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Frederick Gibberd. Lutyens designed the crypt to classical principles, while Gibberd gave the sanctuary its signature modern voice.
Lutyens’ crypt was built in 1941 and was originally set to be part of a grandiose cathedral. Work on this building ceased during World War II. Lutyens’ death, and a drastic rise in costs from £3m to £27m, necessitated a new design.
Enter Gibberd, who won a competition to design the space. Completed in 1967, his cathedral was made in the round, with worshipers able to surround the high altar. The building itself is made largely of concrete and features a dalle de verre glass lantern by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens.
“Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral transformed British cathedral design with its revolutionary centralised plan, representing a radical departure from traditional designs,” said Sarah Charlesworth, the listing team leader in the North for Historic England.
“Sir Frederick Gibberd’s masterpiece, built upon Lutyens’ earlier crypt, showcases extraordinary artistic collaboration and stands as one of Britain’s most significant post-war architectural achievements,” she continued.
Archbishop of Liverpool John Sherrington welcomed the news of the cathedral’s new historical status. He noted that the building is a prominent part of the Liverpool skyline, adding that it “has been described as ‘the soul of the city’”. He reflected on how the building’s architecture relates to its purpose, stating: “The colours of the stained glass and revolutionary architectural style help raise their minds and hearts beyond this world to the transcendent and to God.”
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram added: “This grade one listing rightly recognises its architectural brilliance and enduring importance to the Liverpool City Region’s identity. It’s a welcome and well-deserved honour.”
Liverpool City Council Leader Cllr Liam Robinson said the grade one status was a “proud moment” for the city.
“This recognition not only honours a masterpiece of modern architecture but also celebrates the spirit of innovation and resilience that epitomises our city. The cathedral stands as a beacon of creativity, community, hope, and faith and is a powerful symbol of Liverpool’s cultural and architectural legacy.”
The announcement comes on the heels of Buttress’s work on the cathedral’s new welcome centre, which is being designed to fit in with Gibberd’s work. Buttress director Edward Kepczyk said both described the cathedral’s appointment to grade one as a “wonderful recognition of its exceptional architectural and cultural significance”. He also added that Buttress’s plans would build upon Gibberd’s work.
“As architects working on the new welcome centre, we are honoured to contribute to the next chapter of the cathedral’s story. The site and its context has continued to evolve since the building’s completion in 1967,” he said.
“Our approach is rooted in sensitivity to Sir Frederick Gibberd’s visionary design,” Kepczyk continued. “We are committed to creating a new welcome space that enhances the visitor experience while respecting the historic and spiritual importance of the site.
“The new centre will support and reaffirm the cathedral’s national importance and we are proud to be part of a project that will support its continued role as a place of worship, welcome, and community engagement for generations to come.”
With the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King’s new status, Liverpool boasts 32 grade one-listed structures, including Speke Hall and the Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ.
Shame it’s shrouded in darkness of an evening along with the equally impressive Anglican.
By Anonymous
Truly mind-boggling that if the original plan had gone ahead it would’ve been as big, if not bigger, than St Peters in Rome I believe. Nevertheless most of us have grown to accept our current Catholic Cathedral and maybe underestimate it’s value, certainly when I show it to visitors from elsewhere they are admiring of it’s different features.
Finally on the subject of listed buildings can we please return the Wellington Rooms on Mount Pleasant to it’s former glory, whether as a library, art gallery, etc.
By Anonymous
The interior is majestic: calm, contemplative and elegant. A triumph of a building.
By Saint Domingo
Beautiful cathedrals in Liverpool
By Anonymous
Lutyen’s cathedral would’ve been the second largest church in the world – second only to St Peter’s in Rome – and would’ve had the largest dome.
By Anonymous
Great building should be grade 1 star . The stained glass is fantastic and the interior is so calming. It’s positioned when linked to the Anglican cathedral is magnificent
By George
It is such a shame, that Manchester is stuck with that big church, and calls it a cathedral. I think both Liverpool cathedrals, are amazing in different ways.
By Elephant