St. Michael's Church, Southampton

Saint Michael’s Church, established in 1070, is Southampton’s oldest building still in use. It is also the only surviving church of the five that once served Southampton’s medieval walled town.

Spare a moment, before entering, to check out the stone exterior, particularly the tall tower and its slender spire, which rises approximately 165 feet above the ground. The church was enlarged during the 13th century as Southampton prospered, while its spire underwent several later alterations, including an increase in height in 1887. Remarkably, both the church and its spire survived the heavy bombing of Southampton during World War II.

Now, step inside and look along the central aisle toward the altar at the eastern end. Above it, you'll see the East Window, with stained-glass representations of Southampton’s five medieval churches: Saint Michael’s, Saint John’s, Saint Lawrence’s, Holyrood, and All Saints’. Of these, only Saint Michael’s remains standing today.

Next, turn around and look toward the opposite, western end of the church. Here, the West Window depicts Saint Michael, the church’s patron saint, defeating a dragon, a traditional symbol of the triumph of good over evil.

While you're facing west, look toward the left-hand corner, on the southwestern side of the church. Here stands the remarkable 12th-century baptismal font, carved around 1170 from a single block of black Tournai marble. Notice its solid, dark bowl supported by columns of Purbeck marble. It is one of only a handful of surviving fonts of this type in England.

As you explore the interior, look for the two medieval brass lecterns, both shaped like eagles. One dates from the early 15th century and was rescued from nearby Holyrood Church during the bombing of 1940. Take a closer look at its elegantly tapered body and individually defined wing feathers. The other eagle lectern, dating from the late 15th century, has a more conventional design.

Finally, make your way toward the northeastern corner of the church to find the tomb of Sir Richard Lyster, a prominent Tudor judge, who died in the 1550s. Look for the elaborate stone monument with classical columns and a sculpted effigy. Erected in 1567, it provides an interesting contrast to the church’s medieval architecture.