Tucked away on Farm Street, surrounded by residential mews and mansion blocks, the Jesuit Church of the Immaculate Conception could almost define the phrase 'hidden gem'. It is worth making a special effort to visit.
The church itself was built in 1844-49 as a base for the Jesuit order in London, following the Catholic emancipation of 1829. The architect behind this jewel was Joseph John Scoles (1798–1863). He designed a number of Roman Catholic churches and, on the basis of the Immaculate Conception alone, deserves to be better known. For its early date, it is a remarkably confident, and accomplished, example of Gothic Revival.
The facade is a fair introduction to the church, the (liturgical) west door surmounted by a striking Decorated Gothic west window, filled with delicate tracery in a bold rose design. But the interior steps up a gear: eight bays of clustered marble-clad columns, tall clerestory windows flooding the interior with light, all drawing the eye to the chancel and the high altar. The nave and chancel ceilings are stencilled and painted, the aisles vaulted. Every surface is covered with marble or decoration, the aisle chapels filled with sculpture and intricate blind arcading. Most notable is the chancel reredos, designed by Pugin, the stone brilliantly gilded, but the side chapels can hold their own.
It became a parish church in 1966 and also has a significant ministry of outreach to refugees, young adults, LGTB+ Catholics, Japanese and Filipino congregations, and those considering returning to the faith. It also has a notable reputation for music.
The church is open every day, with daily masses and confession.
Immaculate Conception, Farm Street, London W1K 3AH
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