St Thomas, Lymington

St Thomas is a prominent landmark on Lymington's High Street, with its gothic chancel and south-west tower, topped by a pretty 17th century cupola. Substantially rebuilt in the 18th century, the interior is a happy blend of Gothic and Neo-Classical.

The earliest parts of the church date from the mid-13th century, and the chancel and north chapel (14th century) have a mix of Early English, Decorated and Perpendicular Gothic windows. More early Gothic windows can be found in the west wall, now inside the narthex. The battlemented south-west tower was added in 1670 (its cupola later, possibly in the early 18th century); the nave, with its wide aisles and galleries, was rebuilt in the late 18th and early 19th century; and a narthex was erected at the west end in 1811. 

The nave is a curious mix of architectural styles: the south windows date from the 19th century and have Geometric tracery, which at least gives the exterior some architectural harmony. But the galleries are supported on two tiers of paired Tuscan columns, which also function as arcades, giving the interior a thoroughly Classical feel. The panels of the gallery fronts record benefactors of the church through the ages. The west gallery contains an impressive, substantial organ - originally built in 1831, but modified in 1847, 1862, and most substantially in 1911, when it was enlarged to its present size.

Most of the furnishings are from the 19th century, though it has a an elegant 18th century baluster font and the Royal Arms of George I, dated 1716. The chancel walls - unplastered but whitewashed - are crowded with wall monuments. One of these - commemorating Captain Josias Roger (d. 1795) - is of a female figure against an urn: she gets rare praise from Pevsner, as "exquisitely elegant".

The church today has a regular roster of church services, reflecting both traditional choral traditions and modern, informal worship styles and a Messy Church for children, alongside regular concerts, talks, and other events. On my visit, it was set up for a choral concert in aid of a local hospice.

St Thomas, High Street, Lymington SO41 9ND