Building MPM714 - CHURCH OF ST GEORGE

Anglican church built 1753-1754 by dockyard shipwrights under the direction of Nicholas Vass. Originally a Chapel of Ease to St Mary's, Portsea. The building was badly damaged during the Second World War and was restored in 1952 and 1972.

Originally known as the 'Chapel of St George', the church was built between 1753 and 1754 by public subscription. Dockyard shipwrights constructed the building under the direction of Nicholas Vass, resulting in it becoming known as 'the shipwrights' church'. Consecrated in 1754, the church was originally a Chapel of Ease to St Mary's, Portsea, becoming a Parish Church in 1875.

The church was constructed of red brick with grey headers. Two small pavilions on the west façade provide access to pews in the balcony. The interior of the church is square with a cruciform shaped barrel roof supported by four stone pillars. There are wooden galleries containing box pews on the west, north and south sides, supported by timber fluted piers on high pedestals. A Royal Coat of Arms in the west gallery dates to before 1792. The ground floor box pews have been removed.

The church was badly damaged during the Second World War, and was restored in 1952 and 1972. Following the war the church came under the jurisdiction of Portsmouth Cathedral, and was awarded Parish status again in 1981.

Historic England, The National Heritage List for England (Index). SPM35.

Offord, J, 1989, Churches, Chapels and Places of Worship on Portsea Island (Bibliographic reference). SPM39.