Westminster Cathedral - London
A Byzantine Catholic Church in London With a World Famous Choir
Dec 4, 2008
This extraordinary building is England’s principle Roman Catholic church. Built in the highly decorative Byzantine style of domes, balconies and a tower which is the tallest church tower in London. The Cathedral is one of London's hidden treasures.
History of Westminster Cathedral
English architect, John Francis Bentley, was commissioned to build the Cathedral and he very cleverly decided to avoid the obvious route of following the prevailing Victorian Gothic style of religious architecture and instead came up with this beautiful and most unusual building. After all, how could he compete with Westminster Abbey?
He received the commission in 1894 and in 1895 the cornerstone was laid. Eight years later the building of this great Cathedral was completed. When compared with photographs of early Byzantine churches there is a close resemblance.
Inside Westminster Cathedral
The interior is a striking mix of coloured marble and mosaics. Although the Cathedral’s interior is incomplete and work is ongoing, this is not obvious and does not detract from its beauty. To date, around 126 different types of marble from 26 countries, on five different continents, have been used. Wherever you look, different coloured stones will catch your eye.
Eight columns support the huge canopy over the high altar and Byzantine mosaics cover the chapels and the vaulting of the sanctuary. The work of the British sculptor and printmaker, Eric Gill, can be seen in his carved friezes which portray the fourteen stations of the cross (stopping points for prayer or contemplation). At the base of the Sanctuary steps is an inscription commemorating the mass held by Pope John Paul II in 1982, the first to be held in England by a reigning Pope.
Westminster Cathedral Choir
The Cathedral Choir is recognized as one of the best in the world and is particularly famous for its performance of Gregorian chant . In the past, work has been commissioned from a number of distinguished composers such as Benjamin Britten and Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Daily sung Masses and Offices were immediately established when the Cathedral opened in 1903, and have continued without interruption ever since. Today, Westminster Cathedral Choir is the only professional Catholic choir in the world to sing daily Mass and Vespers.
The choristers are all boys between the age of 8 to 13 who are either boarders or day students at the Westminster Cathedral Choir School in London.
People from around the world stop to attend mass at this hidden London gem.
Tips
The views from the tower (there is a charge) are spectacular. And the beauty of the mosaics in the cathedral takes your breath away. As long as there isn't a mass or other service taking place, you are free to roam around the cathedral and visit the side chapels.
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