Brompton Oratory, London: Grade II* listed gem
Brompton Oratory is a stunning, large neo-classical Roman Catholic church in London.
This Grade II* listed architectural gem was the largest Catholic church in London before the opening of Westminster Cathedral.
This famous Roman Catholic church was built between 1880 and 1884.
It is the church of the Congregation of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri. Popularly but incorrectly known as "Brompton Oratory".
This impressive church is reminiscent of historical churches in Rome.
It features large, beautiful statues and many side chapels.
The architect of the Oratory, Herbert Gribble, intended the church to offer an example to those who were unable to see an Italian church for themselves.
One would have to say that he succeeded admirably, for the London Oratory is quite unique in Britain in its use of decorative colour and structure.
As remarkable as the Oratory is to the eye of the beholder, it seems equally remarkable that Gribble was selected as the architect of the church.
At the time the Oratorians decided to build a new church in Brompton, Gribble was an untried architect of only 28 years, yet he had the favour of the Duke of Norfolk, who acted as his patron.
In 1879, Gribble's plan for a permanent church to replace the order's temporary quarters won an architectural competition and the young architect was thrust into the limelight.
The lavishly gilded nave and dome mosaics are the work of Commendatore Formilli (1927-32).
Though the dome is striking, it is the pulpit that catches the eye first; this baroque wonder seems alive with flowing lines and extravagant decoration quite seldom seen in British churches.
It cost £93,000 to build initially, but another £14,000 was spent on it in the following decade.
Until the opening of Westminster Cathedral in 1903, the London Oratory was the venue for all great Catholic occasions in London, including the funeral of Cardinal Manning in 1892.
Though the church is primarily 19th century, it contains much older elements.
The figures of the 12 apostles in the nave were carved for Siena cathedral in 1680 and the Lady Chapel boasts an altar and reredos from the late 17th century.
Taken as a whole, the London Oratory is an extraordinary architectural monument, made even more remarkable by the fact that such enthusiastic Italian style is so rarely seen in Britain.
The church has excellent reviews on TripAdvisor.
A recent comment on the ‘review’ platform, said: “This is a beautiful church inside and forms a great trio of attractions next to the museums.
”It has a most stunning alter piece and beautiful chapels. Reminds me of a number of basilica I visited in Catania.”
If you’d like to visit this magnificent building, the address is: The London Oratory, Brompton Road, London, Greater London, England, SW7 2RP.
The Oratory is immediately beside the Victoria and Albert Museum.
During your visit, you can light up a candle for loved ones for 45p.
There is a busy schedule of services at The Brompton Oratory.
There’s five services in English and Latin on weekdays, four on Saturday and throughout the day on Sunday, including a Solemn Mass in Latin on Sundays (11am).
It’s a wonderful place to visit for when you’re next in London!
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