English Martyrs Tower Hill

In 1864, Cardinal Wiseman invited the Missionary Oblates to set up a mission at Tower Hill. It was founded by Fr Robert Cooke, the Vicar Provincial, the following year. A temporary corrugated iron building was erected at the back of the present site, serving as both church and school. This was opened and blessed by Archbishop Manning on 12 December 1866. Archbishop Manning laid the foundation stone for the current church, designed by Edward Welby Pugin on 18 May 1873. The year 2015 was a special period of time in the history of English Martyrs Parish as they have been celebrating the 150th anniversary since its’ foundation. The celebration of 150 years was inaugurated on 22nd February with the 11 am Mass by the Superior General of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Fr. Louis Lougen who travelled to London from Rome. Later in the year at the closing celebration Bishop Hudson thanked all the Oblates who gave of themselves for this particular mission here in Tower Hill from 1860s onwards. He said “Today we salute them and thank God for the graces he worked through them.” Fr Alex Angodage OMI is parish priest.