TWO great cathedrals dominate the Liverpool skyline, representing the Anglican and Roman Catholic faiths in the city. Appropriately they are joined by Hope Street, and each are prime examples of architectural excellence; imposing, atmospheric and thought provoking. The cathedrals have a fascinating history, and hold a special place in the hearts of Liverpudlians, who quickly dubbed the massive buildings "Dracula's castle" and "Paddy's wigwam" respectively. Plans for a great Anglican cathedral for the recently formed Diocese of Liverpool began in earnest in 1901 when a 22-year-old architect called Gilbert Giles Scott won a competition to become architect. King Edward VII laid the foundation stone in 1904. Work continued on various stages of the magnificent neo-gothic structure throughout the 20th century, with the Lady Chapel completed in 1910, the consecration of the High Altar, the Chancel and Eastern Transcepts in 1924 and the section under the central tower in use by 1941. The Anglican Cathedral escaped serious damage during World War II and work continued. In 1978 Queen Elizabeth II came to Liverpool for the dedication of the western section. It is still the largest cathedral in Britain and the fifth largest in the world. The bells are the highest and heaviest in the world. At the other end of Hope Street is the dramatic modern Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral. Visitors to this incredible building are initially taken aback as pools of multi-coloured light bathe the interior, as rays of sun stream through thousands of panes of coloured glass in the tower. The cathedral was originally designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, but his plans were for a huge domed building of a classical design. Increased costs and the ravages of World War II meant a rethink was called for, and the more contemporary design that is still admired today was finished in 1967. The circular tower, topped with thin spires, represents the Crown of Thorns. | 
