Allen Hall is the seminary of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster, one of the seven seminaries of the dioceses of England and Wales, where men are prepared for ministry as Catholic priests.

Welcome from the Rector

“Welcome to our website. Allen Hall is a training college (or seminary) for students for the Roman Catholic priesthood. It is situated in Chelsea, London, on the site of The Great House where Saint Thomas More and his family lived in 1500.

Today there are 39 students here, following a course which usually lasts at least six years. They come from many different backgrounds and represent twelve nationalities. Their ages range from 20 to 52. In this website you will find out more about our fascinating history, more about the daily programme and the courses here, and more about the Catholic priesthood. Whatever your interest we want you to know that you are remembered daily in our prayers.

Our motto ‘Vivamus in spe’ means ‘We live in hope’ and has inspired thousands of students since our foundation in 1568. We hope that your visit will give you a glimpse of a place and a community that lives up to that motto.”

Canon Paul McGinn

Past Rectors of the Seminary

The seminary always had the post of Rector which was usually subsumed into the Presidency. The office of President belonged to St Edmund's from 1793. Cardinal Hume assumed the title on the death of Bishop Butler in 1986.

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