LIVERPOOL
Cathedral dominates the skyline of Liverpool and can
seen for miles around. It's length is 189m
that's 619 feet and covers 9,688 square metres (104,275
sq. ft.) The tower is a massive 101m high (331 ft)
with an under tower vault 53m (175 ft). The
tower holds the highest and heaviest peal in the world,
all (31 tons) of it. The Arches on the Tower
are 33m wind and the largest of its type.
The Cathedral is the largest in Europe and the fifth
largest in the world. In
2004 the cathedral was home to a record barking firework
display, that rocked the city and could bee seen over
80miles away. The fireworks were to mark the
cathedral's Centenary. The history of this
building, quoted as "One of the great
buildings of the world." by John Bejeman
started in 1901. The idea of the building was to
form the center piece to the recently formed Diocese of
Liverpool. Giles Gilbert Scot, then only 22
won a competition to be the architect. By
1904 the site was ready for construction to start and
the foundation stone was laid Lady Chapel was opened and
used for worship. By
1924 work had progress as an amazing rate and the High
Alter, Chancel and the Eastern Transepts were
constructed. This part formed the first section of
what was to become the main Cathedral. World War 1
was a turning point and Gilbert Scot abandoned his
plans for two towers and opted for one massive
tower. By
1941 the second phase was commenced under the new
tower. During WWW2 (1939 to 1945) the work
continued very slowly. Miraculously the severe
damage caused to most of the city due to enemy bombs
never affected the Cathedral. It escaped almost
unscathed. One bomb did actually penetrate into
the roof space, but deflected and exploded on the street
outside. The only damage was on the riverside were
the windows were smashed by explosions. 1978
was the end of what was a long 74 years of
construction. Queen Elizabeth II attended the
dedication of the West end of the Cathedral. Now
only the extra fittings and fixtures were to be added
and are still being added to this day. In
1984 marked the addition of the SPCK Book and Gift Shop
designed by Keith Scott and opened with a restaurant
that year.
Photographs
by Patrick Trollope. Information with thanks
to Liverpool Cathedral.
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