Brompton Oratory facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brompton Oratory
Facade
51°29′50″N 0°10′11″W / 51.49722°N 0.16972°W / 51.49722; -0.16972
Location	Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW7 2RP
Country	United Kingdom
Denomination	Roman Catholic
History
Status	Parish church
Dedication	Immaculate Heart of Mary
Consecrated	1884
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Architect(s)	Herbert Gribble
Style	Italian Baroque
Groundbreaking	1880
Completed	1884
Specifications
Materials	Portland stone
Administration
Parish	Oratory
Deanery	Kensington and Chelsea
Diocese	Westminster
Province	Westminster

The Brompton Oratory, also called the London Oratory, is a large and beautiful Catholic church in London. It is located in the Brompton area, near Knightsbridge. The church's full name is the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

It belongs to a group of priests called the Oratorians. They live next door and serve the church. The Brompton Oratory is known for its amazing Liturgical music and the talented musicians who perform there. It has three different choirs. The London Oratory School is also closely linked to the church, as it was started by the Oratorians.

Where is This Church?

The church is on a main road called the A4, which becomes Brompton Road. It is right next to the famous Victoria and Albert Museum. This area is a busy and important part of London.

How Did the Church Start?

The Beginning of the Oratory

The idea for the Oratory came from Saint John Henry Newman. He became a Catholic in 1845 and later started the Birmingham Oratory. This was inspired by an Italian saint named Saint Philip Neri.

Other former Anglican priests, like Frederick William Faber, also started a London Oratory. In 1852, they bought a large piece of land in Brompton for £16,000. Brompton was a fast-growing area that later became part of South Kensington.

First, they built a house for the Oratorian priests. Then, a temporary church was built. Both were designed by Joseph John Scoles. People started donating money in 1874 to build a bigger, permanent church. The new church was finished and officially opened in 1884. The church is still run by the Congregation of the London Oratory.

The Church in Modern Times

After World War II, many Polish people came to Britain. South Kensington became a temporary meeting place for them. The Brompton Oratory helped by holding a special Polish Mass every Sunday from 1945 to 1962. This helped the Polish community feel at home.

During the Cold War, the front of the church was sometimes used as a secret drop-off point. Spies would leave messages there, hoping to communicate with Moscow.

In 2010, special banners were put up at the church. This was to celebrate Cardinal Newman becoming a "Blessed" during the Pope's visit to London.

What Does the Church Look Like?

The main part of the church, called the nave

A statue of Cardinal Newman outside the church

The Brompton Oratory and, in the background, Holy Trinity Church

A young architect named Herbert Gribble, who was 29, won a competition to design the church in 1869. The first stone was laid in June 1869. The church was officially opened on April 16, 1884.

The church is built with Portland stone. Its large dome and arched ceilings are made of concrete. The dome was made taller in 1869 and now stands about 200 feet (61 meters) high. Before Westminster Cathedral opened in 1903, the Brompton Oratory was the biggest Catholic church in London.

Inside the Oratory

The church's design mixes "Italian Renaissance" style with Roman Baroque and Wren styles. Inside, you'll see beautiful Devon marble used for columns. Other rare marbles are used in the altar areas. There are also detailed carvings in metal, plaster, wood, and stone.

The church has old Italian Baroque sculptures. These include The Twelve Apostles by Giuseppe Mazzuoli (1644-1725), brought from Siena Cathedral in 1895. The Lady Altar has sculptures by Tommaso Rues. The altar's structure came from a church in Brescia that was taken down in 1883.

Later, from 1927 to 1932, an Italian architect named C. T. G. Formilli added more decorations. These included mosaics, plasterwork, and woodwork. More decorations were added in 1984 for the church's 100th birthday.

Newer additions include the altar area in the St Joseph chapel (2006) and a new altar for Blessed Cardinal Newman (2010), both by Russell Taylor. The statue of Newman (1896) was made by L. J. Chavalliaud. The church also has beautiful robes and items for services, and an important library.

Who Uses the Church?

The Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a parish church. This means it serves the local Catholic community. The Oratory Fathers run the parish at the request of the Westminster Diocese.

Special Church Services

The church has strong connections with the nearby London Oratory School. Students from the school often attend Mass at the church for important Holy Days and feast days. The school's yearly celebration for St. Philip Neri is also held at the Oratory.

The Brompton Oratory has one of the largest Catholic groups in London. It is known for celebrating its services in a very respectful and traditional way.

Amazing Choirs

The London Oratory is famous around the world for keeping classic Catholic music traditions alive. Special Latin Masses and evening prayers (Vespers) are held every Sunday and on important holy days. The Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter services are especially popular and attract many people.

To support these services, the Oratory Fathers have created a wonderful music program. It includes three different choirs and a team of professional musicians.

The Main Choir

The London Oratory Choir is made up of adult professional singers. They perform for the main church services, including solemn Latin Mass and Vespers, every Sunday and on major feast days. This choir started when the London Oratory moved to its current location in 1854. It is England's oldest professional Catholic choir. It is known worldwide for its performances of old church music and Masses from the Classical period.

The Junior Choir

The London Oratory Junior Choir started in 1973. It gives boys and girls a chance to sing in a great church. Besides singing at weekly services, the Junior Choir also performs outside the Oratory. They have sung in London's biggest concert halls and at the Proms. They have also recorded music, including for the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 movie soundtracks. Since 1979, they have been the children's chorus for Royal Ballet shows at the Royal Opera House.

The Schola Choir

The London Oratory School Schola choir was founded in 1996. Boys from the London Oratory School get special training in singing and playing instruments. The Schola is one of London's top boys' choirs. They sing at the Saturday evening Mass during school terms and at daily prayers in the school chapel. The choir has also recorded music for The Lord of the Rings (film series) movie soundtracks.

The Church Organ

The Brompton Oratory has a rich history of organ music. Its organists have included famous names like Ralph Downes. The church's organ has 45 stops, 3 keyboards, and pedals. It was built between 1952 and 1954. This organ was the first church organ in London to be built in a "neo-classical" style. Many people think it is one of the best British organs built since World War II.

Famous Events at the Oratory

The Brompton Oratory has been the setting for many important weddings and ceremonies over the years.

Many important Catholic noble families have also had weddings at the church. These include the Marquess of Bute, Lord William Beauchamp Nevill, and the Duke of Norfolk. Other notable people who married here include important legal figures and famous travelers.

Fun Fact About the Oratory

A folded Brompton B75 bicycle

The Brompton Oratory is said to have inspired the name of the Brompton Bicycle. This is a famous British-made folding bicycle with small wheels, popular with people who travel to work.