St Thomas Church Newport

Church

St Thomas's Church is the principal Anglican church in Newport, the island's county town, and the most important church on the Isle of Wight. The church stands in the centre of town, close to the main square, and has served as the civic church for centuries. The current building is largely Victorian, designed by John Nash and rebuilt in the nineteenth century, though there has been a church on the site since the medieval period. The interior is spacious and well maintained, with good stained glass, fine woodwork, and a monument to Princess Elizabeth, daughter of Charles I, who died as a prisoner at Carisbrooke Castle in 1650 and is buried here. Her story is one of the more poignant episodes in the island's history, and the memorial draws visitors interested in the Civil War period. The church holds the status of minster and functions as the principal place of worship for the island's civic occasions. Regular services, concerts, and community events are held throughout the year. The church is open to visitors during the day and is a useful starting point for anyone exploring Newport town centre. The churchyard and surrounding streets retain some of the character of the old market town, and the square outside hosts a market on certain days of the week.