Brompton Oratory

Brompton Oratory stands in South Kensington, a short walk from the Victoria and Albert Museum. Built in the Neo-Baroque style, it has a three-bay nave, transepts and a domed crossing over the chancel. The church is faced in Portland stone with vaults and dome in concrete, the latter reaching 61 metres. Inside, Devon marble lines pilasters and columns, while the apse and altars use more exotic marbles. Italian Baroque sculptures include The Twelve Apostles by Giuseppe Mazzuoli and the Lady Altar by Tommaso Rues. The Oratory has long attracted worshippers and visitors from many countries. After the Second World War it hosted Polish Allied servicemen, holding a Polish Solemn Mass every Sunday from 1945 to 1962. The church is known for its liturgical music, with three choirs and notable performers such as Ralph Downes. It also houses a notable library and elaborate vestments and altar plate. The London Oratory School, founded by the Oratorians, keeps close ties with the church. Visitors find a grand interior with chapels dedicated to St Wilfrid and St Mary Magdalene. The St Philip Neri altar reflects the architect’s original intentions, and a statue of Cardinal Newman stands in the church. The front pillars and wall once served as a dead drop for Soviet spies during the Cold War. The building remains a busy parish church, with daily Latin Mass and large congregations for Christmas, Holy Week and Easter.