The Early Church
Although a church has been said to have been located on the present site since Saxon times, Christchurch itself was a densely wooded area during that period, probably not very populated and said to be a continuation of nearby Wentwood. There is little specific mention of a church in any ancient documents.
A.G. Spink, in “The History of Holy Trinity Church” (1965), writes that the first real reference to the existence of the south door to the Norman church was in the Goldcliff charters, circa 1112. This evidence suggests that the church has been a centre of worship for over 850 years.
Over the years the church was altered very little until the fifteenth century when considerable reconstruction work was carried with the aisles being rebuilt and various windows renovated.
Damaged by Fires
Apart from minor alterations in the fabric, Holy Trinity Church remained undisturbed until 1877, when the local paper reported that a destructive fire had broken out. The fire was thought to be caused by an overheating stove, used to warm the church, completely destroying the roof and leaving the church wrecked.
Fortunately a very wise churchwarden had ensured that the church was insured some time prior to the fire, and funds were therefore available to complete a full restoration.
Seventy years later, on 5th November 1949, disaster struck again, and the church was once more devastated by a huge fire, said locally to be caused by arson, within 24 hours of our sister church, St. John’s in Maindee, also burning down. Once again, the church was restored, now incorporating a modernised design, yet in keeping with the church’s historic fabric, the restoration being led by architect Mr. G.G. Pace of York. Holy Trinity was rededicated on 7th April 1955.
The Miraculous Healing Stone
Fortunately, some parts of the church suffered less damage than others and could therefore be incorporated into the new design. This conservation included the Healing Stone in the South Chapel. The Healing Stone is a fourteenth century sepulchral slab measuring over seven by three feet. According to the stone’s inscription, it is the tombstone of a John Colmer, who died in 1376, and about whom almost nothing else is known. Up to the end of the eighteenth century it was widely believed to possess miraculous healing powers. This legend includes a witness account of people lying on the stones surrounded by praying relatives and friends.
The Windows
Beautiful stained glass windows adorn the church. The Lady Chapel window (here depicted) is dedicated to mothers, and the East Window (in the website headers above) depicts the Te Deum.
The Tower
The design of the eighty-foot high tower suggests that this was one of the defensive church towers found in the troubled border and coastal regions of Wales which were subject to raids in the early Middle Ages. The walls are seven feet thick with tiny windows — ideal for archers — and there is only one entrance door, thus helping to make the church a secure refuge in times of trouble. The Belfry, itself twenty-one feet high, was a later addition. These days it holds just two bells, but was originally designed to house a full peel.
About us
Holy Trinity Today
In the present day the church is well maintained: bright, clean, and with a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. The congregation is growing and includes all age groups, with many activities both social and spiritual, and an emphasis in the work that we do to help others especially the disadvantaged and homeless. Worship services are at 10:30 every Sunday morning, and we would love to welcome you!