Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Upgraded to Grade I Listed Status

Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, known locally as the 'Wigwam' or the 'Mersey Funnel,' has been elevated to Grade I listed status, recognizing it as a building of exceptional architectural and historical interest. Designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd and built between 1962 and 1967 over an earlier crypt by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the cathedral represents the greatest Roman Catholic post-war architectural commission in Britain and a radical departure from traditional British cathedral designs with its centralised plan. Its striking features include a 2,000-tonne lantern filled with coloured glass using an innovative technique devised specifically for the building, alongside artistic works by notable artists such as William Mitchell and Elizabeth Frink. The upgrade reflects a new appreciation of Gibberd’s vision and the cathedral’s importance as an international example of progressive mid-20th-century Roman Catholic architecture. Civic leaders and church officials have hailed the cathedral as an iconic symbol of faith, hope, innovation, and Liverpool’s cultural heritage, visible for miles and integral to the city’s skyline. This recognition also celebrates the spirit of resilience and creativity embodied by the cathedral, which stands in striking contrast yet harmony with Liverpool’s Anglican cathedral along Hope Street.