Information For Pupils
1. What is the official title of the Cathedral?
The Cathedral Church of Christ in Liverpool.
2. Who was the first Bishop of Liverpool?
John Charles Ryle was installed as the first Bishop of Liverpool in 1880.
3. Who designed the Cathedral?
The competition attracted over 100 entries including designs from noted architects such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Giles Gilbert Scott was chosen. He was 22 years old and had no other pervious building credits to his name. He was also a Roman Catholic.
4. How long did it take to build the Cathedral?
It took 74 years to build the Cathedral.
5. What materials have been used in the construction of the Cathedral?
The Cathedral is built mainly of sandstone quarried from the Liverpool suburb of Woolton. The Dulverton bridge and the cover over the font are made of oak. There are also stained glass windows. 59 in total.
6. How big is the Cathedral?
The Cathedral is the largest Cathedral in Britain and is the second largest Anglican cathedral in the world. It occupies a total area of 9,600 square metres.
7. When was the foundation stone laid?
In 1904 by King Edward VII.
8. Tell me about the Lady Chapel?
This was the first element of the Cathedral to be completed in 1910. It is dedicated the Mary the mother of Jesus. It seats over 200 people. There is a window that is dedicated to famous women, one of whom is Kitty Wilkinson.
9. Where does the name Cathedral come from?
A Cathedral derives its name from the Bishop's "Cathedra" [throne or chair], which resides within it.
10. What are the main differences and similarities between the Catholic Cathedral and the Anglican Cathedral?
The Roman Catholic Cathedral is called - Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. Both Cathedrals’ have ‘Christ’ in their title. They are connected by ‘Hope’ street. For the design of the Metropolital Cathedral, of 300 entries from all over the world, Sir Frederick Gibberd's (1908-1984) design was chosen, and building began in October 1962 and was completed less than five years later, on the Feast of Pentecost, 14 May 1967. The Metropolitan Cathedral is round in shape and has the altar in the centre of the circle. They both have a Cathedra, font, and Lady Chapel amongst other things. The design of the Roman Catholic Cathedral illustrates the gentle caring nature of God. The design of the Anglican Cathedral illustrates the power and majesty of God.
11 .What is the font used for?
In Liverpool Cathedral The font is a large marble bowl, which holds water used in Christian Baptism. In this ceremony of rite, people are 'baptised' or 'christened'. Carved on the font are the twelve apostles (Judas is replaced by Matthias). The pattern on the floor of waves and fishes (the Christian symbol).
12. Tell me about the bells?
At 219 ft above floor level, the bells of Liverpool Cathedral are the highest and heaviest ringing peal in the world. There are 13 bells, named the Bartlett bells
13. Tell me about the tower?
The Cathedral's belltower is one of the tallest in the world
14. Tell me about the organ?
The choir contains the second-largest pipe organ in the with two five-manual consoles, 9765 pipes and a trompette militaire. There is a booklet about the Organs available from the shop.
15. Tell me about the Quire?
This is where the choir sit. Traditionally, a Cathedral choir is made up of men and boys voices. Their voices lead the congregation in the singing of religious music. Our Cathedral also has girls voices. The choristers sit in special seats called stalls and rest their music on desks in front of them.
16. What is the chancel?
This is the area of the Cathedral in front of the sanctuary. It is used by the clergy and the choir for services.
17. What is the Chapter House?
Traditionally this is where all the important decisions about the Cathedral were made. Today it is used for Holy Communion or Evening Prayer. This is an eight-sided room with a Dome shaped roof.
18. How many people can the Cathedral seat?
Over 3,000 people.
19. How much does it cost to run the Cathedral?
We spend around £3,300 per day to run the Cathedral.
20. When can I visit the Cathedral and how much does it cost?
The Cathedral is open everyday from 8am – 6pm. There are occasions when there is restricted access. Admission to the Cathedral is free but with a suggested donation of £3.
21. What is a Diocese?
A diocese is an administrative territorial unit governed by a bishop, of which there are currently 44 within the Church of England
22. Was there any damage to the Cathedral in the war?
Miraculously the Cathedral sustained only minor damage.
23. Have famous people visited the Cathedral?
In October 1978 Queen Elizabeth II attended the service to mark the completion of the largest Cathedral in . In 1982 Pope John Paul II visited and more recently in 2004 the Dalai Lama, Prince Edward also the Queen to distribute Maundy Money.
24. Can I get something to eat in the Cathedral?
Yes, we have a new Mezzanine Café Bar with bottle warming facilities, lots of healthy food and children’s activity sheets as well as the Refectory Restaurant.
25. Is there a Cathedral shop?
Yes it sells a wide range of books, gifts and cards.
Statistics:
Length: 619 feet
Area: 104,275 sq. feet
Choir Vault: 116 feet
Nave Vault: 120 feet
Height of Tower: 331 feet
Under Tower Vault: 175 feet
Tower Arches: 107 feet