Welcome to the Crypt of the Metropolitan Cathedral

THE CATHEDRAL CRYPT

The Crypt is the only part to be built of the uncompleted Cathedral designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1930. With its high barrel vaulted ceilings and dark brick work and contrasting grey granite, it gives some feel of the grandeur of the magnificent cathedral planned to stand above it.

Designed with a symmetry that was typical of Lutyens there are two chapels and two halls that mirror each other almost exactly:

The Chapel of St Nicholas

This Chapel is where the people of the Cathedral's parish worship. It is adorned with carved wooden Stations of the Cross and in the left aisle there is a bronze statue of the Madonna and child by David John. There are also a number of wall hangings including one of St Nicholas, patron of Saila and of the City of Liverpool, to whom this chapel is dedicated.

The Pontifical Hall

When the Crypt was first opened, the Pontifical Hall acted as the Cathedral whilst the varying stages of building work continued above. It now contains the Cathedral archives as well as a number of displays illustrating the rich and varied history of the Metropolitan Cathedral. It also serves as a space for social engagements following major celebrations in the Cathedral.

Crypt Hall

Paralleling the Pontifical Hall, this great chamber stretches some forty metres in length. Its original purpose within Lutyens design was as a lower sacristy - a vestry where some 100 priests might be able to robe. Above would have stood the upper sacristy where many more priests would have prepared for services. It is now mainly used as an exam hall for the Universities and Professional bodies.

Crypt Concert Room

As the Crypt Hall mirrors the Pontifical Hall, so the Concert Room mirrors the Chapel of St Nicholas. Originally designed as another chapel, it now serves as the venue for chamber concerts arranged by the Cathedral Concerts Society and perfomed mainly by the Cathedral Orchestra and Choirs. It is adorned with banners on a musical theme embroidered by local school children.

Chapel of Relics

This smaller chapel is separated from the Pontifical Hall by the astonishing rolling stone. This six ton marble disc is fretted in order to provide a glimpse into the chapel where there are the tombs of three of the late Archbishops of Liverpool - Thomas Whiteside (1894 - 1921), Dr Richard Downey (1928 - 1953) and Dr George Andrew Beck (!964 - 1976). Rolling opening and closed it alludes to the stone which sealed the tomb of Christ. Lined with the Travatine marble, it gives some inkling of the magnificence of what might have been had the Lutyens project been completed.

Available for hire…

The Crypt Hall may be hired as a venue for conferences, receptions and exhibitions. For further details, please contact Claire Hanlon on 0151 709 9222.