54 Parkside

54 Parkside is a Grade II listed building in Wimbledon constructed from Portland stone with a green slate roof and tall chimneys. The structure spans two floors across eleven distinct architectural bays and serves as the Vatican's diplomatic office in Great Britain.

Charles Anthony Mills acquired the property in 1896 and named it Winkfield Lodge after winning money from a horse race. The Holy See purchased the building in 1938, establishing the first Papal embassy in England since the Elizabethan era.

The south-facing bay houses stained glass works by Brian Clarke for the Papal Chapel, marking Pope Benedict XVI's visit. These artistic elements reflect the religious importance of the building as a center of Catholic diplomatic presence.

The building functions as an active diplomatic office and is not open to visitors, but the exterior facade can be viewed from the street. The location sits in a quiet residential area of Wimbledon with convenient transport connections nearby.

The building became the first Papal embassy in England after more than three centuries without such a presence, following the break between Rome and the English crown during Elizabethan times. This restoration of diplomatic ties marked a significant moment in modern Anglo-Vatican relations.

Location: London Borough of Merton

Inception: 1897

Architects: C. W. Stephens

Creator: Brian Clarke

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

Address: Apostolic Nunciature, 54, Parkside SW19

GPS coordinates: 51.43607,-0.22396

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:23