Brompton Oratory

Brompton Oratory, also known as the London Oratory, is a neo-classical late-Victorian Roman Catholic parish church in the Brompton area of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, neighbouring Knightsbridge, London. The name The Oratory stems from the religious order, the Oratorians who own the building and service the parish. The church's formal title is the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Its Grade II* architectural listing refers to it as "The Oratory". The Oratorian priests there celebrate Mass daily in both the Ordinary and Extraordinary forms. Due to its location and character, the church attracts expatriate worshippers and visitors from many countries. After World War II, it temporarily hosted the parish of the Polish diaspora in London. The church has a reputation for the quality of its Liturgical music and the notable musicians who perform there, among them, the late Ralph Downes. There are three choirs at the church. The London Oratory School in the nearby London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham is closely connected to the church, having been founded by the Oratorians.