Harry’s happy return to the Anglican cathedral

Oct 24 2007 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

IT’S a landmark which is close to the heart of many a Merseysider, but Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral means more to the Rowbottom family than most. The family, who were involved in its construction for generations, made an emotional return this week to celebrate the 80th birthday of the last of them to have worked there.

Harry Rowbottom first visited the cathedral as a child and eventually worked on the building himself.

His grandfather, James, worked there at the turn of the 20th century, and two uncles carried on the tradition.

The family celebrated Harry’s 80th birthday by treating him to a surprise trip to the cathedral.

“I was made so welcome and made such a fuss of that I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “It was such a surprise. My family first worked on the cathedral 100 years ago, Now I’m the only one left.”

The Rowbottoms worked on the building’s construction almost from the very beginning.

Mr Rowbottom’s grandfather, James, was employed on the Lady Chapel from 1906.

He was killed in World War I.

His uncles, Tommy and John, had prominent roles in construction throughout the mid-20th century.

The foundation stone of George Gilbert Scott’s cathedral was laid by King George VII in 1904. It was not completed until 1978.

Tommy Rowbottom worked as a site agent and John Rowbottom was a stonemason, honoured with a plaque in the cathedral for his work from 1932 to 1981. Both men featured in the research of Peter Kennerley, who has written books on the building of the cathedral.

Mr Rowbottom, who lives in Kirkby with his wife, Joan, also worked there for a short spell during his 47-year career with the Unit Construction Company.

His own father, also Harry, worked for Unit for 47 years, and his mother for nine – over 100 years between them.

Mr Rowbottom recalled: “I used to stand in awe of the cathedral, it was so massive. My uncles would take me round and show me the Whispering Gallery and where you could rub the head of the church mouse [under the pillow of Lord Derby’s tomb].

“It has all changed now. This time we went in the side door by the café and were completely lost. Looking round this big place, with shops – there was none of that when I first went there and masons were still working on it.

“Many years ago, when I was 14 and first started work, I remember when a bomb was dropped and all the front of the cathedral was full of holes where shrapnel had damaged the stone work.

“My uncle Tommy was the site agent and would take me where the general public wouldn’t go. I was absolutely fascinated by it.

“I love it, I absolutely live it, and I’m so proud.”

vickyanderson