Liverpool Cathedral

The largest

It is Britain's largest cathedral and the longest in the world

Liverpool Cathedral is Britain's largest cathedral and religious building. Built from 1904 to 1978 to a design by Giles Gilbert Scott, it is the longest cathedral in the world, 621 feet in total external length.

621 feettotal external length, including the Lady Chapel

St Peter's

The first bishop had only a pro-cathedral, called ugly and hideous

J. C. Ryle was installed as the first Bishop of Liverpool in 1880, but the diocese had only a pro-cathedral, St Peter's Church. It was too small for major church events, and the Rector of Liverpool called it ugly and hideous.

The pupil

A 22-year-old with no buildings to his name won the competition

In 1903 the assessors recommended a proposal by the 22-year-old Giles Gilbert Scott, an articled pupil with no existing buildings to his credit. It was more contentious when Scott was found to be a Roman Catholic, but the decision stood.

Building

The Lady Chapel was finished first, and the whole in 1978

The Lady Chapel, the first part completed, was consecrated in 1910. The cathedral was consecrated on 19 July 1924 in the presence of King George V and Queen Mary. A service of thanksgiving in October 1978, attended by Queen Elizabeth II, marked its completion.

The bells

The bells hang higher and heavier than any ringing peal in the world

At 67 m above floor level, the bells of Liverpool Cathedral are the highest and heaviest ringing peal in the world. The initial letters of the inscriptions on the thirteen bells spell the name Thomas Bartlett.