Our History
Our church building was originally a Benedictine priory, built by monks over 900 years ago and has been a place of worship ever since. It is now renowned as one of the most archaeologically and historically interesting medieval churches in Hampshire.
Our Present
St. Andrew’s is part of the anglo-catholic wing of the Anglican Church, where the central importance of the sacraments and the continuity of teaching and practices of the church throughout the ages, rooted in scripture, are central to the expression of our faith.
Our Future
We will retain the traditional nature of our worship, which is precious to people who value the friendship and sense of belonging found in our church family. In addition, we are introducing alternative forms of worship and activities to grow our church and share God’s love more widely with the people of Hamble, Netley and further afield.
Hamble gets its name from Hamele, a Saxon Thane. Hamble-le-Rice (name first recorded in 1345) is the same as Hamble-en-le-rys, Hamble on the rise?), so called from the church being built on land rising from the water as seen by approaching ships as they enter Southampton water.
The Priory Church of St Andrew the Apostle is among the most archaeologically and historically facinating medieval churches in Hampshire. It is of very ancient origin, for it incorporates evidence of Roman occupation and the remains of a Saxon church.
The story of Christianity in Hamble goes back to 720 when the missionary, St Willibald, set sail from the River Hamble for the continent, as recorded in the 8th century Bede’s Ecclesiastical History. A place of worship had been established here sometime in the Saxon period (5th to 6th centuries), and it is certain that a stone parish church existed on the site well before the Norman Conquest in 1066
CE.
The association with Thiron in France remains to this day. Each year, (apart from during the Covid crisis), a few of our church family visit, reinforcing the links we have with the congregation of the mother church of the Benedictine monks who founded the church in Hamble.
Some splendid features have been added in recent years. A glorious new stained glass west window was installed in 2001 depicting our founder St Bernard against a delightful view of the Hamble River with the Isle of Wight beyond. Major restoration works have also been undertaken, including a new roof, stonework around the windows and several of the stained glass windows themselves have been repaired. The church is now in an excellent state of repair considering its age.
There is a large (closed) churchyard in front of the church. Burials and interments of ashes now take place in the adjacent Parish Burial Ground which is managed by Hamble Parish Council.
A booklet containing a detailed history and guide to St Andrew’s is available at the back of the church.
Details researched by the late
David Winser, a much loved Reader at St Andrews.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and
the love of God, and the fellowship of
the Holy Spirit, be with us all
evermore. Amen.
Sharing God’s love with the people of Hamble.
God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. - Gospel of St. John, 3 : 16.