The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool has earned a prestigious upgrade to Grade I status, officially recognising it as a building of exceptional architectural and historical importance. Designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd and completed between 1962 and 1967 over Sir Edwin Lutyens’ earlier crypt, this distinctive concrete cone has become a bold icon of mid‑20th‑century Roman Catholic architecture.
Locally dubbed the “cosmic wigwam” or “Mersey Funnel,” the cathedral’s daring funnel‑shaped structure and vibrant stained‑glass lantern by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens symbolise post‑war optimism and liturgical modernism. Its revolutionary “altar‑in‑the‑round” layout intentionally brings the congregation closer to the Mass, reflecting social and religious shifts spurred by Vatican II.
Historic England’s decision acknowledges the cathedral as a prime example of expressive modernism, despite past structural struggles, such as leaking roofs and mosaic failures, that once prompted legal action and extensive restoration. The upgrade ensures ongoing preservation of its intricate artistic elements, from William Mitchell’s bell‑tower reliefs to elaborate chapels adorned with works by Elizabeth Frink, Ceri Richards and Margaret Traherne.
City officials and clergy alike have lauded the cathedral’s elevation. The Metro Mayor hailed it as a beacon of innovation and faith visible across the region, while church leaders described it as “the soul of the city” that lifts visitors’ spirits. With Grade I status alongside storied landmarks like St Paul’s and Coventry Cathedral, the Metropolitan Cathedral now firmly stands among Britain’s architectural elite, celebrated for redefining the emotional power of modern ecclesiastical design.
For international travellers and architecture aficionados, this Grade I recognition marks an unmissable opportunity to experience a structure that fuses bold design with spiritual resonance. As Liverpool’s skyline proudly embraces this modern crown, the cathedral’s rediscovered acclaim promises to inspire visitors with its luminous interior, democratic spatial arrangement, and enduring cultural significance.
