11 things you never knew about Liverpool Cathedral:

Liverpool Cathedral: 11 things you never knew about historic landmark 

By Sean Purvis of Liverpool Echo

Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral is among the city’s most popular attractions, revealing something new on each visit.  

The building, which dominates Liverpool’s skyline, is a treasure trove of fascinating features, many of which have a story of their own to tell. Next time you visit keep an eye out for the following 11 points of interest which offer an insight into the rich history of the cathedral and the city itself.  

1. The UK’s largest organ

The cathedral’s Grand Organ is made up of 10,267 pipes, making it the biggest in the United Kingdom and one of the largest in the world. It took three years to build, between 1923 and 1926, and sits in two chambers on opposite sides of the choir.  

2. The world’s heaviest bells. 

The Bartlett Bells - named after the local man who bequeathed them to the cathedral - are the heaviest and highest in the world, weighing in at 31.5 tonnes (31,500kg) and hanging 219 foot (67 metres) above the ground in the cathedral tower. The largest bell, Great George, is bigger than Big Ben.

photograph is of a close up view of the massive steel work which carries the peel of bells, taken on July 29, 1936.

3. The Elizabeth Hoare Gallery

High above the Cathedral floor there is an unique collection of Victorian and Edwardian ecclesiastical embroidery. The third floor gallery also offers fantastic views of the interior of the building.

4. The “Kneeling Madonna”

A statue in wood of the Kneeling Madonna by Giovanni Della Robbia which dates back to the 15th century. The sculpture was probably part of a set of nativity figures and can be found in the Lady chapel in the cathedral.

 5. The Great West window

The cathedral has approximately 1700 m² of stained glass. The most splendid is the Great West Window standing at 52 feet, it was designed by Carl Edwards in 1979.

6. A poignant memorial to Hillsborough victims

The cathedral was the venue for the September 2012 launch of the Hillsborough Independent Panel’s report, and is now the temporary home of the “eternal flame”, which has been moved from Anfield as the ground undergoes redevelopment work. It is currently housed in the Memorial Chapel.

7. “The Welcoming Christ”

Renowned sculptor Elisabeth Frink, who died in 1993, created this striking statue high above the West Door. A scale model, known as a maquette, of the striking work is on show at the east end of the cathedral.

8. “The Good Samaritan”

Adrian Wiszniewski’s painting has been on display since 1995 in the South choir aisle, with critics saying it has a poetic quality. Wiszniewski’s work is also in the permanent collections of MOMA, New York, the Tate Gallery, London and Setegaya, Tokyo.

 9. The Tower

The prominent focal point for visitors of the cathedral stands 154m above the River Mersey. It is open to the public most days and is accessible by two consecutive lifts followed by 108 stairs.

10. The Holy Spirit Chapel

The intimate chapel did not form part of the original design but has fulfilled the desire for visitors to have a place of quiet solitude for prayer and meditation. It was designed by Sir Giles Scott and sculpted by William Gough.

11. The “All Together Now” Christmas Truce sculpture

Temporarily placed in the memorial chapel and designed by sculptor Andy Edwards, the sculpture depicts the handshake between an English and German soldier ahead of their famous World War I football match. 

Link to original article: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/liverpool-cathedral-11-things-you-8469079