Non-interactive Tour

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Ground Plan
  1. High altar
  2. Sanctuary
  3. Chancel
  4. Nave altar
  5. Altar Rails
  6. Organ
  7. Pulpit
  8. Nave
  9. North porch
  10. North aisle
  1. Font
  2. South aisle
  3. Lady Chapel
  4. Priests' vestry
  5. Choir vestry
  6. Parish office
  7. East porch
  8. Apse
  9. North View
  10. Memorial wall
The Sanctuary Roof

The Sanctuary Roof. Although Teulon may have wished to suggest that priest and people were together 'The Body of Christ', he nevertheless distinguished the chancel and sanctuary with much richer decoration than the nave.

The Chancel and Sanctuary

The Chancel and Sanctuary. Note how the carved capital on the column by the pulpit extends into the chancel. The use of the vine motif to visually unite the spaces occupied by clergy and congregation emphasizes that Christ’s saying, “I am the vine; you are the branches” is addressed to the whole church.

The North Aisle

The North Aisle showing the carved capitals and angels. Note the more intricate roof in this aisle. The statue is of St John and commemorates the amalgamation of the parish with Horrington. The small crosses on the wall are for the Lenten service of the Stations of the Cross.

The Nave

The Nave of St Thomas'. The word 'nave' is generally supposed to be derived from the Latin 'navis' (ship), this being a symbol of the Church. No roof could look more like an upturned boat than this one. When the wind blows, it also sounds like one.

The Font

The Font. While the perspective may make the font area look more spacious than it is, it is certainly more open than it was before 1983 when the surrounding area was cleared of pews. The picture shows the South Aisle added in 1866. Note the contrast between the columns of 1866 and those of the earlier North Aisle.

The Lady Chapel and Bas-relief

The Lady Chapel and Bas-relief. The Lady Chapel was created in 1930. The bas-relief is the work of the world famous sculptress Josefina de Vasconcellos and depicts the Christ Child blessing doves as a reward for their singing. It was given in 2002 and was placed in existing ironwork which was suitably modified.

The Apse and Tower

The Apse and Tower. When the church was built it was the first substantial building as Wells was entered on the important road from Bath and this was the first spectacular view. Crowning the apse is a fine iron cross by Skidmore. Two of the four statues of the evangelists around the tower are visible in this picture.

The North view

The North view. The best overall outside view of the church is seen as it is approached from the city up St Thomas Street. This picture of 2002 shows the original main entrance but soon after it was taken the path was relaid to make the church more accessible.

Web design - Tom Tookey 2010