Guide and Floor Plan
Guide and Floor Plan to the Church
Although more commonly known as St Mary's, the official title of the church is "Our Immaculate Lady of Victories". On this page you will learn a huge amount about our church and its fascinating history.
1. Front of the Church
The main entrance of the church is located on Clapham Park Road. The original doorway consists of large heavy oak doors, with black iron furniture, set within an archway and is no-longer in use. The most striking featue is the tower and spire which soar to a combined height of 154 feet (47 metres). The top of the spire was damaged in WW2 and subsequently repaired.
2. The Entrance
A gateway on Clapham Park Road leads to the church entrance and the monastery. This area also contains a War Memorial Cross which dates from 1920 and commemorates members of the congregation who lost their lives in the First World War.
THE NAVE
3. The Fresco on the Channel Arch
The fresco on the arch above the sanctuary depicts the Last Judgement. The original fresco was showing signs of degradation and so a new canvas was fixed to the original fresco in 1926.
4. The Great East Window
The sanctuary is dominated by a colourful gothic style stained glass window. Christ and Mary are depicted centrally, and are flanked by the archangels Michael, Raphael, Gabriel and Uriel.
5. The High Altar
The High Altar and tabernacle would have been the main focus of the church. The tabernacle is constructed of beaten copper and was gifted by Miss K Mahony in 1902 in memory of her parents
6. Sedila and Piscina
Towards the right of the altar are seats (sedila) for the clergy celebrating Mass, along with a fourth closest to the altar which was originally intended to be used as a basin (piscina).
7. Saints
A saint is located on each of the six sanctuary pillars. These include St Teresa of Avila, the prophet Isaiah and four evangelists.
8. Statue of the Blessed Virgin
The Statue of the Our Lady was a gift from the mother of Fr Douglas. The statue was raised higher to allow enough room for the baptismal font when it was moved closer to the sancturay as part of the Second Vatican Council.
9. Baptismal Font
The baptismal font was moved closer to the sanctuary from the baptistry, as part the Second Vatican Council in order for baptisms to be celebrated in full view of the congregation.
10. Pulpit / Ambo
The pulpit was originally accessed via just one set of steps from the sancturay. A second set of steps were later added as part of the Second Vatican Council enabling readers to access via the nave.
11. The Sanctuary Grille
The black iron grille between the sanctuary and transept was installed in the early 20th century, in memory of parishioners John and Mary Dell, and John Francis Bentley (St Mary's Architect).
THE SOUTH TRANSEPT
The south transept was constructed in 1894 to accommodate the growing parish. Entrance to the transept is possible via an additional entrance near the monastery.
12. The Baptistery
The baptismal font was moved closer to the sanctuary from the baptistry, as part the Second Vatican Council in order for baptisms to be celebrated in full view of the congregation.
13. The Sacristy
The sacristy is accessed via a large oak door under an archway. This is where the clergy prepares for Mass.
14. The Chapel of St Joseph
The chapel of St Joseph was relocated from the south aisle to its current location when the transept was added. The Chapel consists of an altar which is flanked by panels depicting the marriage of Mary and Joseph, the nativity scene and the death of Joseph.
15. The Window in honour of St Clement
The window has four scenes depicting Blessed Clement as: a Redemptorist, celebrating Mass, the confessor and preacher.
16. The Community Chapel
The community chapel is accessed from the monastery. It is where the Redemptorist community celebrates the daily office and other prayers.
17. The Statues of John Fisher and Thomas More
On the side of the transept are statues of John Fisher and Thomas More. Both opposed Henry VIII divorce from Catherine of Aragon and were beatified in 1866.
THE SOUTH AISLE
For security reasons, the south aisle can be closed off from the rest of the church via the iron gate.
18. The Way of the Cross
The Way of the Cross is a traditional devotion involving 14 prayer stations. The original stations were replaced in the 1960s by a set that were originally intended for the ex-King Umberto of Italy.
19. The Angel Window
The angel window is located above the confessional and depicts 3 angels.
20. The Lady Chapel
The Lady Chapel is the jewel of St Mary's and is regarded as one of the masterworks of John Francis Bentley. The Lady Chapel houses St Mary's copy of the Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary and was intended to provide a place for personal prayer and meditation.
21. The Window of the Holy Family
This fine stained glass window was created by Margaret Agnes Rope and is in honour of the Holy Family. The inscription at the bottom reads: "Enlighten us, O Lord, by the example of your family and guide our feet in the way of peace".
22. The Chapel of St Alphonsus
The chapel was originally intended to serve as a confessional. The chapel is usually locked as it now serves as a repository for religious goods.
THE NORTH AISLE
The north aisle was extended in 1929-30 and houses the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima and St Gerard's chapel.
23. The Cardinals' Arms in the Windows
Most of the windows in the north aisle are in plain glass. Each window contains the arms and initials of the Archbishops of Westminster at that time. Several of them had particularly warm relationships with St Mary's.
24. The Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
This is the most recent addition to the statues and shrines in the church. The shrine to Fatima is particularly dear to the local Portuguese community who celebrate Mass in the church every week.
25. The Ceiling
The ceiling of the north aisle is very different to the rest of the church. It is flat and made of carved oak.
26. The Saint Gerard Window
St Gerard (Majella) acquired a reputation for working miracles throughout his lifetime. He is known as the patron saint of expectant mothers and fathers. The window depicts St Gerard curing a sick boy.
27. The Saint Gerard Chapel
St Gerard (Majella) acquired a reputation for working miracles throughout his lifetime. He is known as the patron saint of expectant mothers and fathers. The chapel was intended to balance Our Lady's chapel on the opposite side of the church.
28. The Apocalypse Window
This is a brightly coloured window based on three scenes from the Book of Revelation.
29. The Statue of St Therese of Lisieux
The publication of St Therese's journal, The Story of a Soul, made her very popular. She was cannonised in 1925 and declared patron of the missions in 1927.
30. The Statue of St Alphonsus
Alphonsus Liguori founded the Redemptorists. His chapel formerly stood where the organ is now. It has now been moved to the rear of the church.
31. The Window of the Saints
The window was part of the original chapel of St Alphonsus. It is not easy to view because of the organ.