Westminster Cathedral

A Byzantine building in Victoria

John Francis Bentley designed the cathedral in a neo-Byzantine style, and it was built between 1895 and 1903, almost entirely in brick with no steel reinforcement. It was consecrated in 1910 once its debts were cleared. John Betjeman called it 'a masterpiece in striped brick and stone'. It is Grade I listed. It is also the seat of the Archbishop of Westminster, the senior Catholic bishop in England and Wales.

Inside

Much of the interior was bare at the consecration, and mosaics have been added over the decades since, from Arts and Crafts work of 1912–16 onwards, so the upper walls and domes still show raw brick in places. Look for Eric Gill's carved Stations of the Cross, counted among his finest work, and the Lady Chapel's mosaic of the Virgin and Child.

Music and visiting

The cathedral choir is known for Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony, and hearing a sung service is the best way to experience the building. The Grand Organ, built by Henry Willis III between 1922 and 1932, is also highly regarded. It's a working cathedral, so be mindful during Mass, then walk on to Westminster Abbey or Buckingham Palace, both within a kilometre.

Highlights

• Largest Catholic church in England and Wales
• Neo-Byzantine design by John Francis Bentley
• Mosaics added over more than a century
• Eric Gill's Stations of the Cross
• Renowned choir and Willis organ

Good to know

• It's a working cathedral; check service times on the website before visiting.
• Victoria station is a few minutes' walk away.
• Sung services are the best way to hear the choir.

Frequently asked questions