Cardiff Oratory, St Alban-on-the-Moors
The Cardiff Oratory is the community of Oratorian priests and brothers who look after St Alban-on-the-Moors, a Grade II listed church on Swinton Street in Splott. The 1911 building, with its two contrasting towers, is a working parish church worth a look if you're interested in Cardiff's Catholic heritage.
Photos
D. E. Barker
The church
St Alban-on-the-Moors replaced an iron church of 1891 and opened on 16 July 1911. Newport architect F. R. Bates designed it in Perpendicular Gothic, in Pennant sandstone with Bath stone dressings. Its unusual pairing of a central rectangular tower and an octagonal west tower makes it stand out on the Splott skyline, and it was listed Grade II in 1997.
The Oratory
Since May 2019 the parish has been run by the Oratorians, followers of the 16th-century priest St Philip Neri, who place prayer, scripture and the sacraments at the centre of their life. The community is small, with two priests and three brothers, and also supports the local St Alban's Primary School. A relic of St Alban was enshrined in the church in 2021.
Visiting
This is a parish church first, so the best way to see the interior is around Mass times, which are listed on the Oratory's website. Be respectful during services. Splott is east of the city centre; combine a visit with Cardiff Indoor Flea Market or a coffee at Sparrow Coffee House nearby. Phone or email the parish office if you'd like to arrange a visit outside service times.
Highlights
- Grade II listed church opened in 1911
- Two towers: one rectangular, one octagonal
- Run by the Oratorians since 2019
- Relic of St Alban enshrined in 2021
Good to know
- Mass times are published on cardifforatory.co.uk.
- It is an active parish church; visit around services and respect worshippers.
- The Oratory runs a small Guild Bookshop.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: cardifforatory.co.uk · en.wikipedia.org