St Martin's Church

St Martin's Church in Weymouth, Dorset, is a fascinating piece of architectural history that has undergone a remarkable transformation. Originally designed by Charles Edwin Ponting and constructed between 1907 and 1908, this former Church of England establishment now stands as a unique residential conversion known as St Martin's Court.

The History of St Martin's Church

St Martin's was conceived as a chapel of ease to Holy Trinity, built to accommodate the growing population around Chickerell Road. The area was rapidly expanding, and the existing temporary mission room was no longer sufficient for the parish's needs. The vicar, Rev. L. B. Weldon, saw the necessity of a new church to serve the poorer residents and began a campaign to raise funds for its construction.

After acquiring a plot of land for £400, the church's foundation stone was laid in October 1907. The design by Ponting was ambitious, but due to limited funds, only the nave, porch, and part of the crypt were initially completed. The church opened its doors in 1908, offering seating for 198 worshippers, with plans for future expansion that never materialized.

Despite its promising beginnings, St Martin's closed in 1949 and briefly reopened in the 1960s before being declared redundant in 1965. It found new life in the 1980s when it was converted into two dwellings, eventually becoming the eight flats known today as St Martin's Court.

Exploring St Martin's Architecture

The church's architecture is a testament to the craftsmanship of its era. Built with Fordingbridge red brick and Portland stone dressings, the structure embodies the Decorated style. Its construction on sloping ground required deep concrete foundations, ensuring stability.

The roof, adorned with dark red sand-faced tiles, features a bell turret capped with a wrought-iron cross. The porch is particularly striking, with a large three-light traceried window and flanking buttresses that rise elegantly to the roofline. Inside, the nave boasts clerestory windows and an open-timbered roof, creating a spacious and airy atmosphere.

Originally, the church was furnished with chairs instead of pews, reflecting a more flexible approach to seating. The choir stalls, sourced from St George's at Bourton, and the font from St Peter's at North Poorton, add to the historical charm. The pulpit, transferred from Holy Trinity, completes the ensemble of original fittings.

The Transition to St Martin's Court

The transformation of St Martin's into residential flats is a fascinating chapter in its history. The building's architectural integrity has been preserved, with the exterior maintaining its ecclesiastical character. Inside, the conversion has created modern living spaces that blend contemporary comfort with historical elegance.

Planning permissions in 2007 and 2008 allowed for the division of the building into multiple flats, accommodating modern needs while respecting the church's heritage. This adaptive reuse serves as an excellent example of how historical buildings can be preserved and repurposed for future generations.

Visiting St Martin's Today

While St Martin's no longer functions as a place of worship, it remains a point of interest for those visiting Weymouth. Its architectural beauty and historical significance make it a noteworthy stop for anyone interested in the town's rich heritage.

St Martin's stands as a reminder of the area's past, a symbol of community efforts to provide for its residents, and a successful example of architectural adaptation. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply enjoy exploring unique buildings, St Martin's offers a glimpse into the evolving story of Weymouth.

In conclusion, St Martin's Church is more than just a building; it's a piece of Weymouth's history that has adapted to the changing times. Its journey from a place of worship to a residential haven reflects the resilience and creativity of the community, making it a must-see for anyone visiting this charming coastal town.