Saints Thomas Minster or Newport Minster is civically recognised as the main Anglican church on the Isle of Wight. Unusually, it is dedicated to both Thomas Becket and Thomas the Apostle.

The original late 12th-century church was dedicated to St Thomas of Canterbury (Thomas Becket) (1118–1170). Later, under the rule of King Henry VIII of England (1509–1547), when Becket was declared to have been a traitor, the Canterbury part of the name was dropped. Its name and the ambiguous dedication to St Thomas was thereafter, over time, assumed by many to refer to Thomas the Apostle.

From the 18th century its deterioration made any renovation futile, and funds were raised for a new church on its site. The new church was built over the years 1854 and 1855 to a design by the architect S. W. Dawkes of Cheltenham. Reflecting the building's history, but arguably unusual, the new church was dedicated on the feast of Thomas the Apostle to both him and St Thomas of Canterbury. The tower contains a ring of 12 bells.

To honour its importance in Island and civic life, but conferring no official status within the Church of England itself, the church was designated as a Minster at Easter 2008 by its diocesan bishop Kenneth Stevenson, Anglican Bishop of Portsmouth.

Princess Elizabeth of England, daughter of Charles I and Henrietta Maria is buried to the church. A memorial was given by Queen Victoria in 1856 and made by Carlo Marochetti.[

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Founded: 1854-1855
Category: Religious sites in United Kingdom

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en.wikipedia.org

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User Reviews

James C (4 months ago)
It's a nice space. They have a coffee shop with small cake selection. All the pews sadly seemed to have been replaced with chairs which seems to take a little away. Fully wheelchair accessible.
Jenny Barker (5 months ago)
Coffee and cake. Found a new place for coffee and cake today. Newport Minster is right in the middle of Newport (the place with the tower). Very good coffee and cake at very reasonable prices, also toasted teacakes and toasted sandwiches (all ingredients locally sourced from the island). The ladies that volunteer behind the counter are so friendly and helpful, and nothing is too much trouble. The Minster has just had some refurbishments done and is well worth a visit.
Carol Bridgestock (5 months ago)
Having spent many hours at Newport Minster when we lived on the Isle of Wight, we were eager to see the recent renovations when we returned for a holiday, and we were not disappointed! The work that has been done, has clearly been carefully considered for all. The cafe serves lovingly prepared delicious food & drinks too. We LOVE it! Well done everyone involved! .??
Billy Potts (5 months ago)
Visited with my daughter for trinity Sunday service. Not a regular visitor of church but we were welcomed with open arms. Everyone there was so friendly and informative of the history of the church and there is some fantastic architecture to be seen as you would expect in a church of its age. Had a good time. Credit to the vicar, he's a really friendly welcoming person who made an effort with my daughter who was nervous in this large new place.
Jane Flux (6 months ago)
The Church is open, newly refurbished, and still retaining all the history .very welcoming. There’s a cafe, and dining area. Accessible to wheelchair users with plenty of room to manoeuvre, including toilets.
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