Explore St Mary's Church - Alverstoke

Whether a regular worshipper, or interested in a church building for its historical interest, a guided tour will bring to life this stunning church was largely rebuilt between 1863 and 1885 featuring a notable tower added in 1905 to commemorate the South African (Boer) War, with the tower housing eight bells.

The church served an historically significant area, owned by the Bishops of Winchester. Although not in the Domesday Book, the first known reference to the church is 1122, with legends suggesting a much earlier Saxon church or an 1130 founding by Bishop Henry de Blois. There was a major Victorian rebuilding in 1834, 1863 and 1885. Records for the Parish date back to 1559 and records are held in the Portsmouth City Records Office.

The sanctuary once held the remains of the Spanish Queen Donna Maria Francesca D’Asis De Bourbon until 1885. Another famous name is connected with St Mary’s Church Alverstoke namely Bishop Samuel Wilberforce (son of slavery abolitionist Willian Wilberforce). Samuel became Rector of St Mary’s Alverstoke in 1840.

All of this fascinating history, and much more, will be explained by guides in this tour of local history right on your doorstep.

Timings

Friday 18 September:

1100

Saturday 19 September:

1100

Location & directions

St. Marys Church Alverstoke, Green Road, Alverstoke, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 2ET

Directions:

Look for the large church tower in the centre of Alverstoke. The tour will start inside the church and progress to the churchyard if fine weather.

Contact on day:

Bill Lock

Telephone number:

+447855045691

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Please book online via the booking website, if you experience any difficulties with the booking system, please contact us.

Booking telephone number:

+447849399823

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.gosportheritage.co.uk/booking-2026/

Booking opens:

22 Aug 2026 09:30 AM

Booking closes:

16 Sep 2026 05:00 PM

Accessibility details

No wheelchair access to churchyard

Additional information

Max number of people:

20

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s)

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