Middlesbrough: St Thomas
Overview
Grid reference: NZ 523 194
A small Neo-Romanesque brick church, built in the 1930s as part of the urban development of this previously rural area of Middlesbrough. This church is given some limited vertical emphasis by a simple square brick belcote at the east end of the north aisle, but is otherwise long and low, lining the north side of Pallister Avenue. The roof-lines drop in stages from west to east with a hipped roof to the chancel, finial cross at east end of nave.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Demolished 2007
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
5-bay nave with west porch, south baptistery, 2-bay chancel and sanctuary under separate roofs. Hall with kitchen and toilets on the north side.
Dimensions:
Nave estimated to be c 23m (75ft) x 11m (36ft).
Description of Archaeology and History
The church was built in 1934. The west porch was added in recent years. The furnishings and fittings mostly belong to the late 20th century, with some items brought from other churches.
Exterior Description
This church is given some limited vertical emphasis by a simple square brick belcote at the east end of the north aisle, but is otherwise long and low, lining the north side of Pallister Avenue. It has a grimy exterior of darkened brick, and has a generally forlorn and rather beleaguered appearance. The roof-lines drop in stages from west to east with a hipped roof to the chancel, finial cross at east end of nave. The nave fenestration is of simple 3-light round-headed windows with plain frames to each bay, similar in west wall above vestibule. There are two small windows high in the chancel side walls, the east window, if there ever was one within the large round-headed arch, has been blocked. The east wall and western half of the north wall is blind. Projecting square baptistery on the south side of the nave.
Building Materials
Brick
Tile
Asphalt
Interior
Interior Description
Inside, the walls are painted cream, whilst the barrel-vaulted roof is a dark shade of red. The heads of the windows cut into this, the roof taken down to blocky moulded corbels between them. There is a plain round chancel and sanctuary arch, two steps to an altar in the former, one more to the High altar. A doorway in the south wall adjacent to the baptistery has been blocked in recent years to prevent unauthorised access. Woodblock floors, with quarry tiled floor around the font in the baptistery, green carpet down the central alley. A double door gives access to the large church hall.
The nave has attractive free standing dark-stained benches of pitch pine with panelled backs and voluted ends, brought from a Seaman’s Mission in the town.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
Oak tables High altar and north aisle altar, modern light-stained table in the chancel, light stained wood to the Mary and child altar.
Lectern
1934
Wooden reading stand, moulded stem, lime-washed with gilded tracery front.
Font (object)
1934
Plain stone font round bowl and stem, octagonal base.
Organ (object)
1934
Electronic organ.
Rail
1934
Plain wood.
Churchyard
Grid reference: NZ 523 194
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
Quinquennial Inspections
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