About
Set just back from the seafront, St. Thomas' Church stands tall at the heart of Douglas. The building was designed in the Victorian early gothic style by architect Ewan Christian. The foundation stone was laid on July 9th 1846 and the church was officially opened on the 1st of August 1849.
Between 1896 and 1910 the walls of the chancel and nave were elaborately painted by the painting firm of Nicholson Brothers of Well Road Hill, Douglas. Starting from the then-vicar Canon Savage’s ideas, the church was transformed by the renowned local artist John Miller Nicholson into the unique and magnificent murals we see today. These unique murals, which cover some 520m² of decorative painting, remain St. Thomas’ most outstanding artistic feature and are well worth a visit to be truly appreciated.
Other notable features of the church include, the war memorial designed by Archibald Knox, several beautiful stained glass windows, the three manual organ and the bell and clock tower.
Services are held every Sunday at 11:00am. Additional Holy Communion Services are held at 9:30am on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month.
A Coffee Morning is held each Friday 10.30am to 12.00pm. All are welcome.
Light Lunches are available on the first Friday of each month between 12:00pm and 1:30pm.
For other opening times and additional events please check out the new St Thomas' website which is updated very regularly.
For group visits or to arrange a tour or special visit, please contact either the PCC Secretary, Church Wardens or by e-mail.
Summer Concerts 2020
An hour of popular music is hosted on Wednesdays at 7:45pm throughout the summer months (June to September). Full details will be available on our website in due course.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled Accessibility - There is ramp access for wheelchair users to the ground floor. There are limited toilet facilities on the ground floor which are are not suitable for severly disabled users. There is a hearing induction loop in place. Assistance dogs are welcome.
- Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors
- Ramp / Level Access - There is ramp access for wheelchair users and once inside the building everything is on one level.
COVID-19 Response
- Contactless payment possible
- Hand sanitizer available to visitors & staff
- Socially distanced spaced seating
Leisure Facilities
- Shop
Payment Methods
- Accepts major credit and debit cards - Card payments are accepted via a PayPal Card Reader.
- Open by appointment outside normal opening times - Please contact Mike Faragher (Church Warden) at mfaragher@manx.net for further information.
- PayPal Accepted
Provider Facilities
- Dog Friendly
- Group Friendly
- Toilets - Toilet facilities are limited but are accessible on ground level.
- TT & Biker Friendly
Provider Features
- In town/city centre - Close to the Manx Museum, Gaiety Theatre and Villa Marina. Car Parking available close by in Chester Street Car Park
- Indoor Attraction - The Nicholson Murals, Stained Glass windows, Archibald Knox designed war memorial and Italian Marble mosaic floor.
Target Markets
- Marketed Towards Families - A visit to St. Thomas' Church is of interest to the whole family. We even have a children's "Animal Safari" leaflet where young people look for the various animals lurking in the murals, stained glass windows etc.
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted - Please contact Mike Faragher (Church Warden) at mfaragher@manx.net for information.
