Velehrad London

Velehrad London is a registered charity in the United Kingdom, with Charity Number 1154836. It was founded in 1958 by Father Jan Lang (1919–2007), a Catholic priest and human rights campaigner. The organisation primarily serves the expatriate community from the former Czechoslovakia, offering religious, cultural, and social support[1][4].

History and Background

Velehrad London was established in 1958 initially from a house in Notting Hill. Its name is derived from Velehrad, a village in Moravia, Czech Republic, known as a significant pilgrimage site. The charity was founded with the mission to provide spiritual guidance and community support to emigrants from Czechoslovakia, especially in the context of political upheaval such as that following the Prague Spring and subsequent authoritarian rule[4].

Activities and Mission

The organisation focuses on fostering cultural heritage and religious practice among the Czech and Slovak expatriate community in London. It offers various services including counselling, social events, religious ceremonies, and cultural activities. Through these efforts, Velehrad London helps maintain a sense of community and cultural identity among emigrants and their descendants[4].

Premises

In 2015, Velehrad London transitioned from its original building in Notting Hill to Woolborough House, a large Victorian villa dating from the 1870s, located within the Castelnau Conservation Area in Barnes. The house has historical significance, having been the family home of the Espinosa family since 1913 and the former headquarters of the British Ballet Organisation from 1930. The charity commissioned a refurbishment and extension of the premises to include function and performance spaces, classrooms, accommodation for priests, prayer rooms, and meeting areas to support its varied community activities[4].

Legacy

Velehrad London stands as a cultural and religious hub for the Czech and Slovak diaspora in the UK, continuing the legacy of its founder Father Jan Lang, who was notable for his dissident activities and commitment to human rights. The organisation remains active in preserving the cultural heritage of the Czech and Slovak people abroad and providing a supportive network for emigrees[1][4].

[1] http://en.velehrad.org.uk [2] http://en.velehrad.org.uk/about-us/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1154836&subid=0 [4] https://www.ibla.co.uk/velehrad [5] https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/st-wenceslaus-house-velehrad-239698