1851 The Immaculate Conception, Edgbaston (The Oratory)

Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 8UE (O.S. GR SP0486)

When the Fathers of the Oratory settled here in 1849-50, it was the great wish of Dr. Newman to erect a church after the style of that of San Martino at Rome. Owing to lack of funds the idea was not carried out and a smaller church was built from designs of M. Viollet-le-Duc. When the jubilee of the Oratory was celebrated in 1898, the memory of the great Cardinal's life and labours inspired Catholics to erect such a church as he had desired to see built. The foundation stone of the building was laid by Bishop Ilsley in 1903. Owing to the fact that the new edifice has been built over the old one, which was used as long as possible during the work of construction, the operations have been considerably retarded thereby. The style of the new building is that of the Church of San Martino at Rome, and the plan comprises sanctuary, nave, transepts, and several chapels, including a fine one to St. Philip Neri A barrel dome roof is a notable feature of the interior. Mr. Doran Webb is the architect of the church, which will probably cost over £30,000. During the removal of the old church from the interior, the congregation worshipped at the chapel of Ladywood Hall. The solemn opening by Bishop Ilsley took place October 9, 1906, Archbishop Bourne preaching (Eccles. xlix. 13) to a large and distinguished congregation. 

KELLY 1907