Sts Thomas Minster

St Thomas Minster stands in the heart of Newport on the Isle of Wight. It is the main Anglican church on the island and is unusual in being dedicated to both Thomas Becket and Thomas the Apostle. The original church dates from the late 12th century, dedicated to Becket alone. When Becket was declared a traitor under Henry VIII, the Canterbury part of the name was dropped. Over time, the dedication became associated with Thomas the Apostle instead. The present building was constructed between 1854 and 1855 to a design by architect Samuel Daukes. It was dedicated on the feast of Thomas the Apostle, honouring both saints. The tower contains a ring of twelve bells. In 2008, the church was designated a Minster by the diocesan bishop Kenneth Stevenson, reflecting its civic and religious importance. Inside, the church contains notable memorials. Princess Elizabeth, daughter of Charles I, is buried there, with a memorial by Carlo Marochetti commissioned by Queen Victoria. Sir Edward Horsey was buried in 1582. The west gallery houses an architectural pipe organ, originally built in 1870 and rebuilt in 1925 and 1957. The old churchyard between Orchard Street and Church Litten Lane became Litten Park in the 1950s after most memorials were removed.