Church of St Thomas of Canterbury and English Martyrs, St Leonards-on-Sea

The Church of St Thomas of Canterbury and English Martyrs in St Leonards-on-Sea is a Gothic Revival structure with decorative window openings and a multi-sided apse. In contrast to its simple exterior, the interior features extensive religious paintings and ornamental details throughout.

Following a fire that destroyed the previous building in 1887, architect Charles Alban Buckler designed this replacement structure, which opened in 1889. The building arose from the need to restore religious services to the community after the devastating loss.

Religious paintings cover the interior walls, filling the space with biblical narratives that visitors notice as they look around. The decorated surfaces reflect a tradition of adorning Catholic churches with visual storytelling.

This remains an active place of worship with regular services throughout the week. Visitors should be respectful of those attending and allow for quiet observation of the decorated interior.

The interior religious paintings were created between 1908 and 1911 by Nathaniel Westlake, an artist who decorated many churches with his detailed brushwork. These wall paintings represent a specialized art form practiced by only a handful of masters during that era.