Our Heritage: Your Heritage
St Mary’s was built in 1866-67 to the designs of the Winchester architect John Colson. The foundation stone was laid on 21 July 1865, and the church was consecrated on 1 November 1866. It was built in response to the rapid development of Sholing following the opening of Netley Hospital. Distinctive features of the church include its large transept and quirky bell turret. In 2026, St Mary’s celebrates the 160th anniversary of its consecration.
Our StoryHERITAGE 160
Project Overview
In late 2025, we were awarded a grant of £248,874 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver an ambitious project: “Heritage 160 at St Mary’s, Sholing – Securing our Stories of the Past for the Future.”
Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, this vital project will safeguard both the historic church building and the community heritage it represents, as St Mary’s prepares to celebrate the 160th anniversary of its consecration in 2026.
The works include the installation of a new, environmentally sensitive heating system to protect the Grade II listed Victorian building, the creation of a more accessible and welcoming space with new facilities, and the introduction of interactive digital displays and archives. These improvements will allow more people to discover and engage with the rich heritage of Sholing.
As well as caring for the church’s tangible heritage, the project will preserve and share the intangible cultural heritage of the community. This includes:
the parish’s connections with Southampton’s maritime history, including the Titanic,
the memory of local men and women commemorated in the church’s war memorials and Commonwealth War Graves,
the stories and traditions of the local Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community, many of whom are buried at St Mary’s.
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
WW1 Memorial at St Mary’s
The memorial at St Mary’s is located inside the Church on the North wall, just opposite the main entrance. It commemorates 57 men who died during the Great War and reads:
“To the glorious memory of those who gave their lives for their country and the cause of righteousness in the Great War 1914 – 1919. Their name liveth for evermore”
Not much is known about the memorial but according to ‘St Mary’s Church Sholing’ by Beryl Varilone the memorial was designed by a Miss Plot in 1920. It could be that a couple of the names were added at a later date although it is difficult to say as the list was put together in a very crude alphabetical order.
The qualification to appear on the memorial is also unclear. Not everyone listed was born in Sholing, several did not serve with British forces, neither were they all resident of Sholing at the time of their death. It appears that in the case of a couple of men they did not die during the course of the war or as a result of injuries sustained.
Like many memorials the plaque is likely to have been privately funded by either members of the Parish or by relatives of the deceased. It is doubtful that the relatives were fully consulted as there are at least a couple of surnames that have been spelt incorrectly i.e. Spilman and Steele. As a historical record it therefore cannot be relied upon as a definitive list of those men from Sholing who died during the Great War.
Details on individual servicemen with connections to Sholing will be available on the interactive screen in St Mary’s Church Sholing later this year.
Share your Stories
Do you have a story, memory or family connection to St Mary’s Church, Sholing, or the wider Parish of Sholing?
As part of our Heritage 160 project, we are researching and celebrating 160 years of St Mary’s and its place at the heart of the local community.
We’d love to hear from local people, former residents and families who have a connection with the church or parish. You might have memories of weddings, baptisms, church events, community activities or family traditions, or stories about people who have played a part in St Mary’s history.
We’re also interested in old photographs, letters, documents and memorabilia that could help bring the story of St Mary’s and Sholing to life.
Every story matters. Your memories could help uncover parts of our shared history that might otherwise be lost and help preserve them for future generations.
Do you have a story to share? We’d love to hear from you.
FREE TO ATTEND
Heritage Events
As part of our 160th year Heritage celebrations, we are hosting a programme of heritage events. These events are all FREE TO ATTEND, but we kindly ask that you register in advance to help us plan seating.
How you can help
Due to rising building costs and additional requirements mean that we now face a funding shortfall. To complete this work well, we are inviting support from our congregation and from all those who have worshipped here or used St Mary’s for baptisms, weddings, funerals, enjoyed a community event or moments of quiet prayer.
If St Mary’s has been part of your story, we would be deeply grateful for any donation you are able to make. Every gift, large or small, will help ensure that this church and its stories are cared for and shared with future generations.
Please click the SUPPORT US button to make your kind donation. Thank you!
Registered Charity Number: 1214161
Building works photos
