Brompton Oratory

Majestic splendour

Address:

Brompton Road - Chelsea
SW7 2RP - Knightsbridge/Belgravia
London

Nearest Bus or Train:

South Kensington

Open Hours:

Call for details

This Roman Catholic church is a jewel of 19th century Baroque architecture. Officially called the London Oratory of St Philip Neri, it is run by the Oratorian order, which was founded by the famous English convert John Henry Newman. The first Catholic church to be built in London after the Reformation devastation, Brompton Oratory was not allowed to externally resemble a traditional church and had to be set back from the road. That said, it is a splendid church for both visits and worship. The side chapels with marble statues are beautiful, as are the elaborate Lady Chapel and the wooden Pieta. Look heavenwards to the fabulous domed nave. The 11a Latin High Mass on Sundays is celebrated with a full professional choir. If you join in, remember that this is a place of worship. You'll want to dress modestly, observe a respectful silence and switch off your mobile phone. Weekday Mass: 7a, 10a, 12:30p and 6p from Monday through Friday and at 7a, 8:30a and 10a on Saturdays. Sunday Mass timings are 7a, 8a, 9a, 110a, 11a, 12:30p, 4:30p and 7p.

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