St Mary

St Mary, South Stoneham, one of two remaining medieval churches in Southampton, has stood through many centuries close by the South Stone, which was recognised by the Romans as a boundary marker for the ancient settlement of Southampton. There was never a village called South Stoneham, but the church served the local village of Swaythling.

Standing on land which in the 12th century was owned by the Benedictine monastery at Winchester, local names such as Monks Brook, Monks Path and Monks Way are a reminder that monks would have walked along the River Itchen from Winchester to visit their property and ensure that the land was being looked after properly by tenant farmers.

The church is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Richere the clerke. The list of vicars dates from 1240. There are traces of an earlier Saxon building, but the chancel, the oldest part of the present church dates from the twelfth century, with two remaining round arched windows. There are some medieval graffiti on the fine Transitional–Norman chancel arch. The stone font with traces of the original carving on its sides dates from1190. Its supporting arches of Purbeck marble are later additions. 

The tower dates from the 15th century, with evidence of the damage caused during the Civil War in the empty niche above the west door. The main body of the nave was reordered in the eighteenth century, when a new gallery was put in, with a fine two manual Willis organ, recognised as part of the National heritage and awarded Grade 2* recognition by The British Association of Organ Studies. There is a 17th century carved oak chest at the back of the nave, and a post reformation communion table dating from the 16th to 17th century in the north transept. 

And all the while, worship has been offered faithfully in this lovely church, which is now linked to the Small Pilgrim Places organisation which encourages people to find space and time to be still and find God in the midst of their busy lives.