THE GRANDEUR OF THE LONDON BROMPTON ORATORY

Saturday was a busy day as I set off for South Kensington in search of a grand looking Church
called The London Brompton Oratory. Situated almost next door to The Victoria & Albert
Museum in Cromwell Road, it didn't take long to find. And it's certainly as spectacular as all
the pictures I had seen of it prior to my visit.

Designed by a young 29 year old architect by the name of  Herbert Gribble, it's first foundation
stone was laid in June 1880. And on the 16th April 1884 the building was completed and
concecrated.
And looking around The Oratory you might say that it's practically several Churches built
into one, as running the length of each side of the main Church are several Chapels.
Unfortunately just as I arrived at The Oratory, a Mass was taking place so I just snapped a
few pictures then moved next door and spent a couple of hours in the wonderful Victoria &
Albert Museum, then returned to a quieter and empty Oratory allowing me better access
for picture taking, although crowds were gathering for a Wedding.
But after moving on I then had a look in at the nearby London Natural History Museum.

Interestingly a couple of notable Weddings that took place here was when Edward Elgar married
Alice Roberts in 1889, along with film director Alfred Hitchcock who in 1926 married Alma Reville.
I wonder if he ever considered using this place as a film location.
This large neo-classical Church is closely connected to The London Oratory Boys School, and
many of the boys are involved in the Church choir and can often be seen in all their 
finery parading in a procession on their way in to Sunday Mass.

Looking at the Oratory Parish Magazine it's clear to see they have a busy Summer schedule
as next Wednesday (19th June ) they're putting on a Bach organ recital along with 
full choral accompaniment. And the following Saturday 22nd June is The Oratory
Summer Garden Fete.

WEDNESDAY 19th JUNE  -  J.S BACH'S  CLAVIERUBUNG PART III ( THE GERMAN ORGAN MASS ).

THE BROMPTON ORATORY WEBSITE