Church of St Michael

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ST MICHAEL'S SQUARE Church of St Michael

(formerly listed as St Michael's Church)

14.7.53

I This is the only medieval parish church remaining intact in central Southampton. It dates from circa 1070 when Norman immigrants were settling in this quarter of the town and further work was done in the C12, C13, C14, C15, 1828 and 1872. It was the civic church of Southampton until 1835. Built of ashlar.

Base of central tower circa 1070 rest of tower late medieval. Nave west wall is Norman but the west was rebuilt in the C14 to C15. North and south aisles and chapels rebuilt and widened in late C14-C15 windows of various dates but mainly C14 to C15. The steeple was added in 1732 as a landmark for shipping. 1828-29 galleries were inserted to design of Francis Goodwin and the aisles were heightened, the north aisle extended, the medieval nave arcades replaced and new low-pitched roofs constructed. The galleries were later removed in 1872.

Two C13 trefoiled piscinas, one in the north chapel and one against the north wall of the tower. Very fine black Tournai marble font of circa 1170 similar to that in Winchester Cathedral. Two medieval lecterns, one early C15 Flemish rescued from Holy Rood Church the other late C15. Tomb with effigy to Chief Justice Sir Richard Lyster (died 1553) who lived nearby at Tudor House, Bugle Street (qv). C18 and C19 tablets.

Underneath the church in the north-west corner is a late medieval vault which is a scheduled ancient monument.

Listing NGR: SU4190511270