Church of St Thomas, Winchelsea

Outstanding church at the centre of the picturesque small town of Winchelsea, with atmospheric ruins in the churchyard and magnificent stained glass windows.
The windows date from between 1929 and 1933, and were designed by Scottish artist Douglas Strachan and gifted by Scottish barrister Robert Younger. They are themed with biblical scenes, war memorials and local imagery. Other notable features inside include the impressive stone tombs built into the walls, and the large organ.
Construction of the original gothic church building began in 1288. However, the building was extensively damaged in a French raid in 1380, and its condition deteriorated over the next five centuries. By the early 1800s, the building was at risk of collapse, but was extensively restored in 1850. Today, it is beautifully maintained, and a credit to the town.
There's unrestricted parking available on nearby roads for visitors to the church, and information books inside the church detailing its history and significant features. The Easter flower arrangements inside were lovely to see.

This church has such immense history, this alone is impressive, but seeing the remnants of the church as you approach leaves one speechless when you enter the actual church. It is very large and most impressive. But for me, the fact that this is the final resting place of Spike Milligan, whose tombstone can be found just outside the church entrance, was simply a wonderful experience. Winchelsea is a beautiful place to visit, simply amazing.

Lovely very old historical church with Spike Milligans grave in the graveyard
Big stained glass windows in memory of those whose lost their lives in the First World War.

Positioned fittingly in the centre of Winchelsea is the church dedicated to ‘St Thomas the Martyr’ – Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury.  A really peaceful historic church. Well worth a look around. There is a lot of history within the area. The architecture and interior are beautiful and a must for local history enthusiasts. The grounds are so peaceful and absolutely wonderful with all the Graves and flowers everywhere. Took me a while to walk around and absorb the beauty of it all.

It is a beautiful church with some very impressive stone work and colourful stained windows. I came to say hi to Spike and so glad I did. It's a very quiet village but would imagine in Summer it would all be coloured with cottage flowers and roses. Very peaceful

Beautiful church, stain glass windows were in excellent condition. Also visited spike milligan grave.

Stunning old church and Spike Milligan is buried there.

Small but fascinating church with an interesting history. Amazing stained glass windows and pipe organ

Very old church, some of it in apparent disrepair, the damage was caused by the French, when they raided the town in 1300s
It should be pointed out that at the time Winchelsea was a port on the coast
Spike Milligan is buried in the graveyard.
Pre Raphaelite Millais painted in the area, and one painting features a tomb in the church.
Look if you can for an engraving of a ship on one of the pillars,it is a little faint,but is certainly hundreds of years old.
Enjoy the visit .

Nice church and stunning stained glass.

Amazing church inside and outside. Definitely worth to visit.

Really interesting.

Absolutely stunning!

This was my second visit here and I was truly blessed as a Flower Festival Celebrating Creation was taking place. Beautiful displays of creation and the universe. I was also very impressed with the wildflower circles to attract more butterflies and insects.

🙏 ⛪ 💒🕌🙏

Fascinating and beautiful also resting place of Spike Milligan.

Amazing church. On the inside and the outside.

Quiet, peaceful and with amazing stained glass to contemplate

The Church is named for St. Thomas the Martyr, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was murdered in his own Cathedral in 1170. The first recorded mention of the church of St. Thomas in Old Winchelsea came in 1215. After floods later in the century the original town of Winchelsea was rebuilt inland. A new church was built near the centre.

Spike Milligan is buried in the graveyard

Beautiful old solemn church right in the middle of the village. Worth seeing just for the stained windows and the great Spike Milligans grave .