the cathedral was opened in 1903. it was designed by john francis bentley and is in the style of byzantine church architecture. the nave is the widest of any church in england. the sanctuary is higher than the nave, so that the altar can be seen from any part of the nave. a very large crucifix hangs from the chancel arch. the archiepiscopal throne or cathedra, of marble and mosaic, is modelled on the papal throne at the basilica of st. john lateran in rome. there are beautiful marble pillars which are all carved differently. in the crypt there are monuments to famous people.