Unseen photographs of Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral under construction

"It commands the Liverpool skyline and is visible for miles around"

Construction worker Gordan Mosses (right) with workmates.(Image: Gordon Mosses)

Since the 1960s, thousands of locals and tourists have visited one of Liverpool’s most famous landmarks. The Metropolitan Cathedral, located on Mount Pleasant, opened in 1967 and is the largest Catholic Cathedral in England.

The building was built between 1962 and 1967 and is known officially as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King but is also affectionately known as "Paddy's Wigwam" by Scousers. ECHO reader Gordon Mosses, 87, who worked on the University of Liverpool’s new engineering building between 1962 and 1963 shared unseen photographs of the construction of the cathedral.

The idea for the cathedral was first proposed when the Bishop of Liverpool decided the city needed a cathedral in response to its Catholic population rising hugely due to increased migration from Ireland during the Great Famine of the 1800s.

It was built over an earlier Sir Edwin Lutyens-designed crypt, intended to be part of a grand classical-style Catholic cathedral in Liverpool.

The base of Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral while it was under construction.(Image: Gordon Mosses)

Work began in 1933 but was halted by the outbreak of the Second World War. The crypt was completed in 1958 but further work was abandoned due to costs.

Architect, Sir Frederick Gibberb took over the design process and work began in 1962 to finish the building with a conical shape, made from concrete, Portland stone and stained glass.

The iconic circular cathedral boasts an impressive diameter of 59 metres. And after five years of construction it was completed.

Workers working on Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral.(Image: Gordon Mosses)

Last June, it was announced that the cathedral would be upgraded to Grade I listed status. It is now nationally recognised as a building of the highest architectural and historical interest by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, following advice from Historic England.

Cranes overlooking The Victoria Building of the University of Liverpool during the construction of Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral(Image: Gordon Mosses)

Regarding the upgrade of the listed status, Archbishop John Sherrington, Archbishop of Liverpool, said: "I welcome the announcement that Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King has been recognised as a Grade I listed building. It commands the Liverpool skyline and is visible for miles around.

"The building has been described as 'the soul of the city' and brings hope to thousands who visit each year. 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's Metropolitan Cathedral under construction(Image: Gordon Mosses)

"It is very significant that the cathedral has been recognised during the Jubilee Year which has the theme 'pilgrims of hope'. I hope the upgraded listed status allows us to welcome even more pilgrims to our striking Mother Church.

"I thank all who have contributed to the upkeep and repair of the building for over 60 years and pray that we may care nationally for this building of the highest architectural and historical interest."

© Liverpool Echo