The two stones representing the two eminent Architects who shaped this iconic building and sit together. The lower stone commemorates Sir Edwin Lutyens who was originally commissioned to design the new Cathedral for Liverpool. It was planned as the largest in the world with a vast nave and dome. The crypt was begun and one third completed, it is constructed of deep blue brick and the inscription is carved on nBlue Lias limestone to reflect this. However World events ( namely the second world war ) and his death meant that the project was shelved and as the post war era unfolded it was felt that a new fresher design was needed.
A competition was launched to choose a suitable building and a majority of the submitted designs were unashamedly modern. Sir Frederick Gibberd’s is certainly that and he who won the competition with his now iconic and world famous work. He is commemorated on the top stone which is made from Pond Free limestone from the Jurasic coast of Dorset. This reflects the Portland stone that the bulding is clad in. The two stones come from the same area.
My piece serves to remind the visitor that the story that shaped this place of worship is facinating and that although underground, the crypt is a jaw dropping space and worth exploring.