Here, in 1793–1796,[5] shortly after the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1791 repealed some of the laws affecting Catholic worship, a chapel was built to designs by Joseph Bonomi on the corner of Spanish Place and Charles Street (now George Street), largely through the efforts of Thomas Hussey, chaplain at the embassy.

One tradition has it, however, that the Rector towards the end of the lease, Canon William Barry, had a great devotion to the Holy Souls and he promised a hundred Masses for their repose in petition for a site.

Edward Goldie, great-grandson of the architect of the old chapel, Signor Joseph Bonomi, won the competition and the present edifice, partially completed, was opened on Michaelmas Day, 1890.

[8] The consecration had been planned on two previous occasions but had had to be postponed – in 1935 because of the death of Cardinal Francis Bourne, and in 1940 because of the Second World War.

[9] Most of the archives of the old Spanish Chapel have gone to Spain, but there are preserved in the Church both baptismal and marriage Registers dating back to 1732.

[citation needed] A requiem mass was held at St James's for the King of Portugal Carlos I on 15 February 1908.

Above is a gilt hexagonal canopy and suspended behind this is a corona of rock crystals which is lowered over the monstrance during Benediction and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

Other devotions contribute to the liturgical life of the parish, such as Holy Hours and Benediction, the recitation of the Rosary, and the Stations of the Cross.

Because of the striking and unusual acoustics of the building, it was voiced by the builder in the church and remains today exactly in its original tonal design.

Hunter built a number of very fine instruments throughout the country but the one in St James's is regarded by organists and organ builders as the finest example of his superb craftsmanship.

Five ranks of pipes were retained from the Gray & Davison organ (previously by the famous eighteenth century builder, Samuel Green) originally in the Spanish Chapel.