IN PERSON
Guided Tour
St. Faiths Church, Victoria Square, Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, PO13 9NF
Find out about two very well-connected architects who designed St Faith’s Church in Lee-on-the-Solent at the dawn of the1930s art-deco-inspired concrete construction, and of the trained artist who financed the creation of this Victorian New Town.
Join us on a guided tour around Victoria Square and discover the intertwined history of Lee-on-the-Solent and St Faith’s Church, resulting in today’s Grade 2 listed building. It was designed by the architects, John Seely and Paul Paget, who are now recognised as early practitioners of conservation architecture. And prepare to be ‘wowed’ as you first encounter the remarkable tall smooth flowing arches that dominate the interior of the church.
Hear about Sir John Robinson, the first superintendent of art at the Victoria & Albert Museum, who financed the Victorian Seaside Resort of Lee-on-the-Solent in 1883, with plans to build a grand church in the center. Discover the reasons why it took another 50 years to build a church that befitted the grandeur of this Victorian New Town.
After the guided tour you will be free to peruse the Church and discover more about its history and some of the stories of the people who have worshipped here over the decades.
Refreshments will be available and an opportunity to purchase a fascinating limited-edition book called “Ninety” which celebrates the 90th anniversary of this Seely and Paget building.
Children are invited to explore the church with their own ‘Seek-and-Answer’ quiz sheets which will be made available free of charge.
The guided tours will start from the corner of Victoria Way and Osborne Road in Lee-on-the-Solent, PO13 9NF. Please arrive 10 mins early to meet your Guide.
Duration approx 60 minutes.
Event Times
Friday 8 September: 1000-1600
Saturday 9 September: 1000-1600 Tours 1400 &1500
Sunday 10 September: 1300-1600
Monday 11 September: 1000-1600
Tuesday 12 September: 1000-1600 Tour 1400
Wednesday 13 September: 1000-1600
Thursday 14 September: 1000-1600 Tour 1400
Friday 15 September: 1000-1600
Saturday 16 September: 1000-1600 Tours 1400 &1500
Sunday 17 September: 1300-1600
Booking Details
Pre-booking: Required
Church is free to explore but the guided tours must be booked. Please self book, but if you experience any difficulties please contact us.
Assisted Booking Telephone: 023 9217 7392 or 07849 399 823
Email: bookings@gosportheritage.co.uk
Booking opens: 26 August 2023 09:30
Booking closes: 7 September 2023 17:00
Access
The ground terrain consists of tarmac, paving slabs and mown grass.
Additional Information
Visitors are welcome to just turn up and look around the Church for themselves (with a self-led info sheet) between 1000 and 1600. However, please be aware that services are held on Sundays at 0800, 09.30 &11.00, and on Thursdays at 1130.
Organised by
St Faith’s Lee
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