Adorers of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre

Adorers of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre (Tyburn Convent) in London is a Benedictine convent at 8 Hyde Park Place, a short walk from Marble Arch. The nuns, widely known as the Tyburn Nuns, keep up perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and look after a shrine to the Catholic martyrs of the English Reformation. It is one of the quietest corners of central London.

What is this place, and why "Tyburn"?

The congregation began in Paris, and its name refers to Montmartre. After French legislation of 1901 hit religious orders, the sisters had to find a new mother house. They moved to London in 1903 and went on to found convents in nine other countries, though the London house remains the best known.

Tyburn was the city's historic place of public execution, the Tyburn Tree, which stood near today's Marble Arch. Many Catholics were put to death there during the Reformation, and the convent exists to remember them.

What will you see?

The heart of the visit is the Martyrs' Shrine and crypt, which hold relics and mementos connected with the executed Catholics. The convent chapel was built between 1958 and 1962 by Francis George Broadbent and Partners, based on designs by H. S. Goodhart-Rendel. It is not a statutorily listed building. The sisters live in enclosure and pray around the clock, so the atmosphere is hushed.

Can you visit, and when?

The chapel is a place of worship, so dress and behave as you would in any church. Mass is at 7.30 am on weekdays and 9.00 am at weekends, with Benediction at 3.30 pm on Sundays and solemnities. The nuns' living quarters are private and not part of any visit.

Guided crypt tours used to be the main draw, but the convent's official website states that the Crypt of the Martyrs is closed to tours from 22 June 2026 until further notice because of renovation work, with reopening expected in mid-2027. Check tyburnconvent.org.uk or call +44 20 7723 7262 before you go.

How do you get there?

The nearest Underground station is Marble Arch on the Central line, a few minutes on foot. Hyde Park is next door, so the visit pairs easily with a walk in the park or a stroll along Oxford Street.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? Entry to the chapel is normally free, and the sisters welcome voluntary donations. Check the convent website for the terms of any crypt visit.

Can I see the crypt now? No. The official site says the crypt is closed to tours until around mid-2027 while the sanctuary is renovated.

Is the convent a listed building? The 1958-62 chapel is not statutorily listed, but the Twentieth Century Society records it as a notable 20th-century church.

How long should I allow? Half an hour to 45 minutes is enough for a quiet visit to the chapel. Add an hour or so if you combine it with Marble Arch and Hyde Park.