Southsea: St Simon
Diocese of Portsmouth
Church, 629120
http://www.stsimons-southsea.org.ukOverview
Grid reference: SZ 650 984
The church was designed by Thomas Hellyer of Ryde. Building began in 1864 and was finally completed in June 1866 'in the decorated English style'. It was consecrated on 2nd July 1868 by the Bishop of Winchester. It is constructed of yellow and red brick with a slate roof. Few significant alterations have been made to the building since it was first built. The parish is in the central southern part of the City of Portsmouth, and is mainly residential with little industry. The first Vicar, Rev'd Frederick Baldey was a notable figure, a zealous evangelical with a strong social and even political awareness.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 934 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
Southsea was an area of marsh, grass and gorse bushes until the early 1800s, when the whole area was levelled and drained. Houses began to spring up and Southsea soon became a seaside resort. In the 1850s hundreds of new houses were built. Church leaders soon realised that with the increase in population, the existing churches of St. Mary Portsea and St. John Portsea could not cope.
In 1860 it was decided to build a District Church, to be called St. Simon’s, to serve this development. The Revd. Frederick Baldey, curate at St. Jude’s, began his ministry at St. Simon’s on Christmas Day 1862.
The new church was designed by Thomas Hellyer of Ryde. Building began in 1864 and was finally completed in June 1866. It was consecrated on 2nd July 1868 by the Bishop of Winchester.
Building Materials
Brick
19th Century Constructed of red and yellow brick
Interior
Interior Description
East End: Airy polygonal apse with decorative stained glass windows, mostly abstract. There are two small panels representing Moses striking the rock at Horeb and holding up the bronze serpent. Some tile work in the sanctuary area.
Nave: Broad and clerestoried. Stained glass in side aisles. Plain glass at N. higher level. Oak pews, some of which have been removed to make a children's area. Several Victorian monuments. War Memorial in N. aisle.
Halls: The west end of the Church was divided off in the 1970's two large halls, one upstairs and one downstairs, together with a number of small rooms including a newly fitted kitchen.
Smaller rooms: The vestry at the rear of the Church was converted in 2002 to form the Parish Office. The 'choir vestry' next to it was converted at the same time into a meeting space.
Fixtures and fittings
Stained Glass (window)
Abstract and 2 representative with Moses striking the rock at Horeb and holding up the bronze serpent in east end Stained glass also present in side aisles
Statue
Victorian Multiple monuments in N. aisle
Pulpit
Victorian Oak pulpit, carved
Font (object)
Victorian Stone with gothic, carved cover in oak
Table
Oak communion table
Brass
20th Century WWI and WWII Memorial brass panels in carved wood frames
Portable Furnishings and Artworks
5 semi-abstract applique cloth wall hangings on west end nave wall representing Nativity, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension and Pentecost
Churchyard
Grid reference: SZ 650 984
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | No |
| Solar Thermal Panels | No |
| Biomass | No |
| Wind Turbine | No |
| Air Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ev Charging | No |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
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