Church Of St Thomas

ST8558 ST THOMAS'S ROAD 970- /5/350 Church of St Thomas 26/11/76

GV II Church. 1868-70, by Thomas Smith for the Clark family of Bellefield. Built of local squared and coursed rubble with Bath stone dressings; concre te tile roof, replacing original slates. Near symmetrical cruciform plan with NE baptistry and SE vestry; spirelet lost 1970. Early Pointed style. Four buttressed gables each have graduated triple lancets, comprising central 2-light window with flanking trefoiled lancets. The return elevations have Decorated 2-light windows set in gabled half dormers which are linked together and arranged in doubles and triplets. Two gabled porches set in lean-to projections, with moulded arches set on engaged shafts with foliate capitals. INTERIOR: Open crossing with shallow l-bay transepts and chancel and 2-bay nave, divided by pointed ashlar arches with dogtooth moulding forming arched braces to principal stone rafters; the crossing is formed by similar arches, with a moulded boss; compound columns of red and grey sandstone shafts have foliate capitals. 2-centre arches to 2-bay nave aisles and vestry and baptistry. Tiled floors, wainscotting with painted walls above (repainted c1975). Fittings: Contains a full set of furnishings including pews with 2-centre arched panels along front and rear rows, and brass umbrella rails to the ends, two matching chairs for the priest, a large square altar table with marble column legs and panelled sides, lectern with marble shaft and foliate capital, reading desk in the same style, and altar rail. The stone pulpit is bowed to the front with inscriptions and carved scenes, on a marble shaft with black columns around and supporting the lectum at the front, and steps up with a brass rail. Circular stone font in the baptistry. Organ by Griffin and Stround, Bath.