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The parish of West End was originally formed in 1834 out of the much older Parish of South Stoneham. It was so called either because it was the west end of the tithing of Shamblehurst or because it was the end of the waste, or common, of Netley.
The Church here began as a Chapelry to South Stoneham and the first incumbent (1843-76) was Rev. Dr Hatherell.
The first church building was very plain and soon became too small for the growing parish. In addition it was struck by lightning in 1875 making it necessary to pull down most of the spire.
The resolution that a new church was required for the Parish was passed at a meeting in March 1889. Plans for the new church, to be built on the site of the existing one, were accepted in May 1889. The church was designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield, ARA and is in the decorated and perpendicular style, with plain Nave arches. The cost of the building was just under £7,000. |
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Our History |
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The Foundation Stone was laid by Mrs Harriet Haselfoot, who gave generously towards the costs of building St James, on 1st August 1889, and the consecration of the Church took place on 22nd October 1890.
The Church was enriched by generous gifts. The font is a memorial to Dr Hatherell, the organ to Mrs Haselfoot, the Pulpit and East Window to Mr Edwin Jones (of the former department store in Southampton). There are other Memorial Windows dedicated to local dignitaries, including one to Bishop Harold Brown and one to those who fell in the First World War. Most of the windows were made by Heaton, Butler and Baines. |
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This page was last updated on:
09 September 2010 |
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Find Us |
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A new guide and history of our church by Rev. Brian Pickett is now available , priced £2.00. Drawing on previous histories and other documents, and illustrated with black and white photographs, it should prove an interesting read and companion to all who visit St James.
Copies are available from the Church or by post (with a small charge for P&P). Please contact us by email for further details. |
