St Martin's Church

Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom

St Martin's Church is located in St Martin's, Isles of Scilly. The Anglican church was built in 1683 by Thomas Ekin, the Godolphin Steward. Originally only 6.1 m long it was enlarged by Revd George Woodley in 1821. It was rebuilt in 1866 by Augustus Smith, after having been considerably damaged by lightning. The bell in the turret belonged to a vessel wrecked on the islands. There is a 20th-century extension at the west end.

The stained glass window at the east end depicts Saint Martin and the Beggar and is by Clayton and Bell. The church is a Grade II listed building.

There are three Commonwealth War Graves Commission memorials in the churchyard, marking the burial place of two sailors and a chaplin of the First World War.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1683
Category: Religious sites in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

GNF Browning (2 years ago)
A nice little island church. They would like an organist to play for Sunday services so if you are able to do that please do. You would certainly be very welcome.
jon s (2 years ago)
Norman Spirit (3 years ago)
Look up and see a bell. Look down, and behold, like all churches on these Isles, the door is open. You are welcome. Built on high ground the bell gable or bell turret distinguishes this rectangular building from the surroundings. Inside each seat has its own homemade hassock. Outside, a churchyard with graves from the 19thC to the present day. Today St Martin's has fewer than 200 residents. The building that you see was built in 1866. Upkeep depends on your appreciation.
michael twamley (3 years ago)
Pretty church
Tony Hom (3 years ago)
Remote island, so good to see that St Martin's is still active. Beautiful setting and a lovely little community church.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Visby Cathedral

Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.