St Swithin's Churches, Thorley
Old St Swithin's Church
The old church of St Swithin at Thorley dates from the 13th century and was originally a manorial chapel to Thorley Manor.
By the mid 19th century it had fallen into disrepair and it was decided to build a new church some distance to the east, to be nearer Thorley village.
The final service took place in the old church on 12 March 1871; until the new church was complete, services were to be held in Thorley Schoolroom. [1]
The ruins of the old church was then converted into a mortuary chapel for the neighbourhood.
Today (2023) the remains of the Mortuary Chapel is at the end of footpath 4, and is Grade II* listed.[2]
New St Swithin's Church
The new St Swithin's church was built in 1871 on about half-an-acre, to include the churchyard, gifted by the lord of the manor (Lord Heyesbury). The church was designed by William Tucker Stratton, architect, of Newport, and built by W. Buckett & Sons, of Ningwood. The bells and font of the old church were incorporated into the new church.
The new church was consecrated by the Bishop of Winchester on 9 December 1871. [3]
The Vicar of Thorley, the Rev. A. Peat, reported in May 1872 that the cost of the new church had been £1124 9s 2d, while the collections, donation and grants amounted to £1110 10s 10d, leaving a small deficit; there was also the need for an organ for the church (costing between £50 and £60). The Vicar appealed to 'wealthy and sympathising friends ... to help this little country parish...' [4]
Today (2023), St Swithin's Church is Grade II listed.[5]
- ↑ Hampshire Independent, 15 March 1871
- ↑ British Listed Buildings, Church of St Swithin (Old)
- ↑ Hampshire Independent, 13 December 1871
- ↑ Hampshire Advertiser, 18 May 1872
- ↑ British Listed Buildings, Church of St Swithin
