English Martyrs' Catholic Church, Goring-by-Sea

English Martyrs' Catholic Church in Goring-by-Sea is a modern rectangular building constructed with flint panels set in a cement matrix, red brick, and a pitched pantiled roof. The structure on Compton Avenue features distinctive Crittall windows and is notable for its decorated interior ceiling.

Before the current building constructed in 1968, the parish held services in the adjacent grade II listed barn from 1937. The move to the new church marked a significant transition for the local Catholic community.

Parishioner Gary Bevans spent six years creating a reproduction of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, finishing the work in 1993. This painted ceiling reflects the community's commitment to art and beauty within the church space.

The church is currently closed to visitors but is expected to reopen in 2025. Group visits can be arranged through the parish office for those interested in seeing the building and its interior.

The church interior features a hand-painted reproduction of the Sistine Chapel ceiling rendered at two-thirds of the original scale. This remarkable ceiling is the only known full reproduction of Michelangelo's work displayed as a church ceiling.

Website: https://english-martyrs.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 50.81580,-0.42770

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:05