St Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral

Child Places

• 04498 St Mary's Cathedral Grounds

Statement of Significance

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral and its grounds, bounded by Victoria Square, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: the place is a prominent landmark in Perth, as well as a major element within the historic Murray Street East Precinct; the place and its grounds, set in Victoria Square, reflects the original general intention of the colonial Surveyor-General's town plan for Perth; the place is highly valued by the Catholic community of Western Australia; the place is a unusual demonstration of different expressions of Gothic ecclesiastic architecture in the one building; the original portion of the Cathedral (1865) is associated with the Benedictine Brothers who constructed the building; the later portion of the Cathedral (1930) is associated with prominent Western Australian architect Michael Cavanagh; and, the place is associated with Bishops Griver, Gibney and Clune, who administered the principal phases of its construction.

Physical Description

Gothic style Cathedral constructed in three stages. The original building dates from 1864 but was altered and a spire constructed is 1905. The more recent section of the building dates from the 1920's and was intended to be the first stage of new Cathedral. The rest of the Cathedral was intended to be completed later and would have involved the demolition of the 1864/1905 section. Two new wings were added in 2009.

History

The original survey of Perth was on a traditional grid pattern influenced by the natural elevations of the landscape. Also included in this plan was a church square which was located on high ground which was thought to be used by the Church of England, but this site was granted by Governor Kennedy to the Catholic Church after Bishop Serra petitioned him for a site of a cathedral. The Cathedral was built in 1865 and was a simple two storey building, in the Gothic style with a tower on the southern side. Between 1897 and 1910 additions were made to the building. In 1926 the foundation stone was laid for the new Cathedral which only included a new transept and sanctuary due to financial limitations. The additions were designed by Michael Cavanagh. The Cathedral was closed in 2006 to facilitate construction and conservation works to complete it. The Cathedral was reopened in 2009 with two new wings.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High level of integrity.
Authenticity - During its life St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral has been subject to a series of alterations and additions associated with the changing needs of the Church, and liturgical changes. The building retains a high degree of authenticity.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.