A tapestry of red brick and white stone bands rises before us. This is Westminster Cathedral. It stands as the mother church for Roman Catholics in England and Wales. But why does this neo-Byzantine masterpiece sit here near Victoria in Westminster?
The story begins in the late 19th century. The Catholic Church had recently restored its hierarchy. Cardinal Wiseman’s memory fueled the initial fundraising for a new cathedral. His successor, Cardinal Manning, acquired the land in 1884. This very ground once held the second Tothill Fields Bridewell prison.
After a couple of abandoned plans, construction finally commenced in 1895. Cardinal Vaughan, Manning’s successor, appointed John Francis Bentley as architect. Bentley embraced a Byzantine architectural style. The building cost was expected to be around £150,000. Its area should be 54,000 sq ft. The cathedral should measure 350 ft long by 156 ft wide by 90 ft high.
The foundation stone blessing happened on a Saturday morning. It was June 29, 1895. A distinguished gathering attended this ceremony.
Westminster Cathedral opened its doors in 1903. This was a year after Bentley’s death. One of the first events held was Cardinal Vaughan’s Requiem Mass. He had passed away on June 19, 1903. The consecration took place on June 28, 1910. This happened once the building fund was cleared.
Decoration of the interior started slowly. Byzantine churches typically apply decoration. It is not integral to the architecture. Later generations completed the task. The interior boasts rich marble decorations and beautiful mosaics.
In 1895, Westminster Cathedral was dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. The Latin inscription above the portal tympanum reads: “Domine Jesus Rex et Redemptor per Sanguinem tuum salva nos.” It means “Lord Jesus, King and Redeemer, save us through your blood”. The Feast of the Dedication is celebrated each year on July 1.
Over 14 million pieces of mosaic adorn the interior. But to this day it remains uncompleted.
Several significant events have marked Westminster Cathedral’s history. Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass here on May 28, 1982. This was the first day of his visit to the United Kingdom. In 1995, Cardinal Basil Hume invited Queen Elizabeth II. It was the first visit of a reigning monarch to a Catholic liturgy since 1688. Pope Benedict XVI also celebrated Mass here in 2010. In May 2021, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds were wed at Westminster Cathedral.
Notice the campanile. It towers 87 meters high including the cross. The cathedral is the 50th largest church worldwide in terms of interior area. It can seat up to 2,000 people.
Inside, admire the baldacchino over the high altar. It is one of the largest structures of its kind. Eight columns of yellow marble from Verona support the baldacchino.
The Westminster Cathedral Choir has a distinguished history. Sir Richard Runciman Terry was its first Master of Music. The choir is famous for Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony. Composers like Benjamin Britten and Ralph Vaughan Williams wrote music for the choir. The organ, built by Henry Willis III, is one of the most successful. Louis Vierne’s “Carillon de Westminster” was composed for it.
Westminster Cathedral stands as a testament to faith, art, and history. Its doors are open. Come inside and experience its grandeur.