St Mary's, Cadogan Street facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary's Church |
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St Mary's Church in 2013
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| 51°29′36″N 0°09′42″W / 51.4932°N 0.1616°W | |
| Location | London, SW3 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | stmaryscadoganstreet.co.uk |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Founded | 1794 (parish) |
| Dedication | Saint Mary |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* |
| Architect(s) | John Francis Bentley |
| Years built | 1877–1879 |
| Administration | |
| Archdiocese | Westminster |
| Province | Westminster |
St Mary's, Cadogan Street is a beautiful Roman Catholic church located in Chelsea, London. It is a very important building, recognized with a special "Grade II*" listing. This means it is a building of more than special interest. The church was built between 1877 and 1879. Its famous architect was John Francis Bentley, who also designed the well-known Westminster Cathedral. St Mary's is one of the oldest Roman Catholic parishes in central London. A parish is like a local community served by a church.
The History of St Mary's Church
There has been a Catholic place of worship on the site of St Mary's for a long time. The very first Catholic chapel in Chelsea was built here in 1812. This was one of the first Catholic chapels in the whole country since the Reformation, a time when many changes happened in the church.
The First Chapel
The first chapel was started by a French priest named Abbé Jean Voyaux de Franous. He came to London in 1793. Before that, he worked for King Louis XVI of France. Abbé de Franous was in charge of the spiritual care for soldiers at Chelsea College, which is now the Royal Hospital Chelsea. He also looked after soldiers at the Chelsea and Knightsbridge Barracks.
In 1811, Abbé de Franous rented land on Cadogan Street. He wanted to build a chapel there. The chapel was mainly for the soldiers and veterans from the Royal Hospital. People from both France and the United Kingdom helped raise money to build it.
Building the Current Church
After Abbé de Franous passed away, the people of the parish had a big idea. They wanted to build a whole complex, not just a church. Their plan included a church, a convent (where nuns live), schools, almshouses (homes for poor people), and a cemetery. This was a bit like how medieval parishes were set up.
Most of these buildings were constructed between 1845 and 1855. However, the foundation stone for the church you see today was not laid until 1877. The church was designed by John Francis Bentley. It was officially opened and blessed by Cardinal Manning in May 1879.
