The Oratory was the original funeral chapel for St James’s Cemetery, before the cathedral was built. In 1980 Merseyside County Council assumed responsibility for its care and carried out major repairs. In 1986 it became part of the newly formed National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside. Funeral monuments from elsewhere have now been added to the original collection, including some from demolished churches on Merseyside, making the Oratory into a distinguished gallery of 19th century sculpture which complements the Walker Art Gallery’s rich holdings. Inside there are memorials to: Dr William Stevenson by John Patterson MacBride, William Ewart Memorial by Joseph Gott, Henry Park by John Gibson and Rev. Thomas Penswick by Peter Turnerelli. Access for groups of four or more can be arranged in advance with the National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside.