The Church of the Most Precious Blood in London
This guide covers two London churches associated with the name Church of the Most Precious Blood: the Catholic parish church in Southwark and Westminster Cathedral, officially the Church of the Most Precious Blood. The Southwark church is near London Bridge and Borough Market; Westminster Cathedral is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Westminster.
History
Southwark church
The Church of the Most Precious Blood in Southwark was founded in the 19th century to serve the local Irish Catholic population. In 2011, an Anglican community joined the parish, contributing to its revitalization and extensive restoration. Its present identity blends Catholic and Anglican traditions (Catholic World Report).
The building has been recognized as Grade II listed since 2014 (Wikipedia).
Westminster Cathedral
Designed by John Francis Bentley and completed in 1903, Westminster Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Westminster and the principal Catholic church for England and Wales. It is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Westminster (Taking Stock).
What to see and experience
Southwark church
The Grade II-listed church retains its original choir loft, pews and other historic features. Renovations have balanced preservation with modern comfort. Its heritage features include the Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, made with Sicilian marble and Norfolk flint; Whitechapel Bells, rung daily; and terracotta Stations of the Cross by Matthias Zens.
The multicultural parish includes people from a wide range of backgrounds and has strong ties to the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham (Catholic World Report). Its calendar includes liturgies, music and outreach. Masses feature a children’s choir, English and Latin chant, and the distinctive Ordinariate Use Mass on Thursdays.
Parish activities and opportunities include:
- Choir and music ministry, open to children and adults
- Sunday school and youth activities
- Volunteering in hospitality, maintenance and outreach
- Parish confirmations, feast-day celebrations, liturgical processions, concerts and guest performances
Donations support parish ministries and can be Gift-Aided (Ordinariate London South).
Westminster Cathedral
Westminster Cathedral is a major cultural and spiritual landmark, known for its Italo-Byzantine architecture, marblework and mosaics. Its materials include over 120 types of marble, extensive mosaics and Portland stone. The Campanile Tower is 87 meters (284 feet) tall, and a lift provides access to the Tower Viewing Gallery.
Highlights include the apse mosaic of Christ in Majesty, the richly decorated side chapels, and the Great Crucifix suspended in the nave. The fourteen Stations of the Cross are bas-reliefs by Eric Gill; St George’s Chapel has an Eric Gill altarpiece. Recurring imagery includes the pelican, a symbol of Christ’s sacrificial love (Taking Stock).
The cathedral is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Christ. The devotion emphasizes the redemptive power of the Eucharist and is especially commemorated in July (Catholic Online). Its liturgical calendar includes daily Masses and the Liturgy of the Hours, as well as Holy Week, Easter, Christmas and the Feast of the Most Precious Blood. The sacraments include Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage and Confession.
The Westminster Cathedral Choir, acclaimed for Gregorian chant and polyphony, and the cathedral’s grand organ are central to its musical life. Consecration sconces are lit annually on the feast of dedication, and the cathedral regularly hosts exhibitions of ecclesiastical art and history.
Visiting information
Southwark church
- Address 24–25 Union Street, London SE1 1TD
- Opening hours Daily, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Another listing says the church is open during Masses and for private prayer; check MassTime UK.
- Mass times Sunday at 10:30 AM; weekdays at 12:15 PM.
- Admission Free; donations are appreciated to support parish activities and upkeep. No tickets are required for entry or services.
- Tours Information differs: one listing gives guided tours on Saturdays at 2:00 PM and recommends pre-booking through the parish website; another says there are no regular tours, but visitors are welcome during open hours.
- Accessibility Step-free access at the main entrance, accessible restrooms and assistance for visitors with mobility needs. Designated car parking is also mentioned.
- Transport London Bridge station (Northern and Jubilee lines) and Borough station (Northern line) are the nearest Tube stations. Multiple bus routes serve Union Street and the surrounding area.
Westminster Cathedral
- Opening hours Daily, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Admission Free; donations are welcome.
- Guided tours Available daily. Tickets cost £10–£15 and can be booked online or on-site.
- Accessibility Wheelchair accessibility, including lifts to the Tower Viewing Gallery, and accessible restrooms. Recent renovations have provided step-free access and inclusive visitor facilities (Taking Stock).
- Transport Victoria station (rail and Tube); multiple buses serve Victoria Street.
For current schedules, events and tour bookings, visit the Westminster Cathedral website.
Visitor tips
At the Southwark church, photography is welcome if done discreetly during services, and modest dress is recommended. Visitors are welcome at Mass and at special events. For updates, subscribe to the parish newsletter, follow its social media, or check the official parish website and Ordinariate London South.
At Westminster Cathedral, photography is permitted, but visitors are asked to be respectful, especially during services. Check the cathedral website for current schedules and events.
Nearby places
Near the Southwark church
- Borough Market A historic food market nearby
- The Shard Panoramic city views
- Southwark Cathedral Another significant church in the area
The church’s location near London Bridge connects it to some of the city’s richest historic districts.
Near Westminster Cathedral
- Westminster Abbey
- Buckingham Palace
- Houses of Parliament
- St James’s Park
Frequently asked questions
Southwark church
Is there an entrance fee or are tickets required?
No. Entry is free, and tickets are not required.
What are the opening hours?
One listing gives daily hours of 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Another says the church is open during Masses and for private prayer; check MassTime UK.
Are tours available?
Information differs: one listing gives tours on Saturdays at 2:00 PM, with pre-booking recommended; another says there are no regular tours.
Is the church accessible?
Yes. It has step-free access, accessible restrooms and designated car parking.
Can visitors attend Mass and special events?
Yes, all are welcome.
Are donations accepted?
Yes. Donations are accepted, including online and with Gift Aid (Ordinariate London South).
Westminster Cathedral
What are the opening hours?
Daily, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Is there an entrance fee?
No. Donations are welcome; tours require tickets.
Are tours available?
Yes. They are available daily and can be booked online or on-site.
Is the cathedral accessible?
Yes, including access to the Tower Viewing Gallery.
Can I take photographs?
Yes, but be respectful, especially during services.
What else is nearby?
Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament.
