Westminster Cathedral, the mother church of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, stands as a striking example of Neo-Byzantine architecture in the heart of London. Its history and architectural development offer a fascinating glimpse into late 19th and early 20th-century religious architecture in Britain.
The story of Westminster Cathedral begins in 1884 when Cardinal Henry Manning acquired the site, formerly occupied by Tothill Fields Prison. The location, just a short distance from Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, was chosen deliberately to assert the presence of the Catholic Church in the center of British political and religious life.
The design of the cathedral was entrusted to John Francis Bentley, a prominent Victorian architect known for his work on Gothic Revival churches. However, for Westminster Cathedral, Bentley was instructed to depart from the Gothic style that dominated English church architecture at the time. Instead, he was asked to create a design inspired by early Christian Byzantine architecture, particularly that of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul).
Bentley immersed himself in the study of Byzantine architecture, traveling to Italy to examine examples firsthand. His final design incorporated elements from various Byzantine churches, including the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and San Marco in Venice. The result was a unique blend of Byzantine and Romanesque styles, creating what is often referred to as Neo-Byzantine architecture.
Construction of Westminster Cathedral began in 1895. The foundation stone was laid on June 29, 1895, and the structure was completed in 1903, just a year after Bentley’s death. The cathedral was consecrated on June 28, 1910.
The exterior of Westminster Cathedral is characterized by its distinctive striped brickwork, alternating bands of red brick and Portland stone. This polychrome effect is reminiscent of Byzantine and Romanesque churches in Italy. The most striking feature of the exterior is the 284-foot (87-meter) high campanile, or bell tower, which stands apart from the main building and is crowned with a cross.
The cathedral’s façade is dominated by a large portico with three arches, above which sits a mosaic of Christ Enthroned, designed by Robert Anning Bell and completed in 1916. The portico is flanked by two towers, each featuring a large rose window.
Internally, the cathedral’s most impressive feature is its vast nave, measuring 360 feet (110 meters) long and 156 feet (48 meters) wide. The nave is covered by a series of domed ceilings, the highest reaching 117 feet (36 meters). These domes are supported by massive marble columns, each hewn from a single piece of stone.
One of the most striking aspects of the interior is that much of it remains undecorated, with bare brick walls visible in many areas. This was partly due to financial constraints but has also become a distinctive feature of the cathedral. The areas that are decorated showcase stunning mosaics, particularly in the sanctuary and side chapels.
The sanctuary is adorned with an elaborate baldacchino (canopy) over the high altar, made of precious marbles and adorned with lapis lazuli. Behind the altar, the apse features a mosaic of Christ in Majesty, designed by Robert Anning Bell and completed in 1935.
The side chapels, dedicated to various saints, feature some of the cathedral’s most exquisite mosaics. The Lady Chapel, completed in 1912, is particularly noteworthy for its intricate mosaic work depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
The cathedral’s crypt is also of architectural interest, featuring a low vaulted ceiling supported by short, sturdy columns. It contains the tombs of several cardinals and archbishops of Westminster.
Over the years, Westminster Cathedral has seen several additions and modifications. The Blessed Sacrament Chapel, designed by Maurice B. Adams, was added in 1908. The cathedral’s grand organ, one of the largest in the country, was installed in stages between 1922 and 1932.
In terms of modern additions, the Papal Throne, used by Pope John Paul II during his visit in 1982, is a notable feature. More recently, a new bronze door for the west entrance was installed in 2006, designed by sculptor James Atherton Moss.
Westminster Cathedral’s unique architectural style set it apart from other major churches in London at the time of its construction. Its Byzantine-inspired design was a bold statement, differentiating it from the Gothic style of Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral’s Renaissance architecture.
Today, Westminster Cathedral stands as a testament to the vision of its founders and the skill of its architect. Its distinctive red and white striped exterior and soaring campanile have become an iconic part of London’s skyline. Inside, the vast, domed spaces and glittering mosaics continue to inspire awe in visitors and worshippers alike.
The cathedral’s architecture brilliantly combines the grandeur of Byzantine design with uniquely British elements, creating a space that is both monumental and intimate. As such, Westminster Cathedral remains not just an important religious site, but also a significant architectural landmark in the history of British ecclesiastical architecture.
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.