History and pre-history of the Lych Gate
One of the loveliest aspects of St Nicholas from the outside is its Lych Gate. It bears the inscription: “Ego sum resurrectio et vita”, a Latin phrase that means “I am the resurrection and the life”. It’s a practical shelter for weddings, funerals and other occasions, it is a reminder of decades of community events—as well as being a memorial to the beloved wife of a Bishop of Southampton.
In 1909, Bishop James Macarthur applied to the diocese for permission to build the gate in memory of his wife Emily Harriette. It was designed by the clebrated Isle of Wight architect, Percy Stone, and built in 1910, at a cost of £85. Percy Stone designed a similar Lych Gate, in 15th century period style, at Christ Church, Totland Bay, on the Isle of Wight. Both gates feature oak beams that appear to be much older than the gates themselves. Is there a mystery there?
Where did the oak beams come from?
For many years it’s been reported and believed that the timbers came from HMS Thunderer, a ship of the line of the Royal Navy, built in 1783, which took part in several prominent naval battles including the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Unfortunately (from our point of view) this ship was broken up in 1814, so it’s unlikely it was the source of timber for these 20th century gates. However another ship called HMS Thunderer, later renamed to HMS Nettle, was launched in 1831. It was “hulked” in 1863, used as a target ship at Portsmouth for a while, then finally, in December 1901, sold to be broken up to Messrs. King & co, of Garston (source Wikipedia). When the “sister” Lych Gate at Christ Church, Totland Bay was dedicated former crew members of HMS Nettle attended the ceremony. This is definitive evidence that this ship provided the timbers for our Lych Gate too.
While it is true that “the weathered oak forms a silent, structural link between the booming guns of nineteenth-century naval warfare and the calm, ageless quiet of rural Stoneham”, the link with Trafalgar itself is more tenuous!
Thunderer launched at Woolwich on 22 September 1831 (with inset a view of the New Basin)
H.M.S. Thunderer 84 guns, launched at Woolwich on Septr 22 1831 (with inset view of the New Basin) Technique includes etching. H.M.S. Thunderer 84 guns, at its launch at Woolwich.
The Thunderer, Man-of-War firing a Royal Salute on her Majesties arrival at Walmer Castle (1842)
Offered for sale by Abbott and Holder in June 2020, when it was described as “‘The Thunderer, Man-of-War firing a Royal Salute on her Majesties arrival at Walmer Castle’. Victoria and Albert stayed at Walmer for a month in 1842. Grey wash and gouache. Provenance: an album of sketches by Landells. 4.5×6.75 inches.” Public Domain
For further information about the Lych Gate at Christ Church, Totland, and its dedication, which was attended by former crew members of HMS Nettle, see: http://www.isle-of-wight-memorials.org.uk/churches/totland_christ_church_lych-gate.pdf
