OUR CHURCHES
St Swithun
St Swithun Catholic Church in Yateley has its roots in the post-World War II growth of the local Catholic community. Before the current church was built, Catholic worship in Yateley often took place in a chapel attached to Yateley Hall, a former medieval manor house that became a school owned by the Sisters of Christian Education after the war. A chaplain was appointed in 1946, and this chapel served as the Mass centre for local worshippers for many years.
In 1964, land from the Yateley Hall estate was conveyed to the Diocese of Portsmouth as a site for a permanent church. The foundation stone for the new building was laid on 1 December 1968, and the church was opened on 15 July 1969 by Bishop Worlock, marking an important milestone in the life of the Catholic community. Designed by Barton Wilmore & Partners, St Swithun’s is notable for its octagonal plan and spacious interior capable of seating a large congregation; its construction reflected the Diocese’s vision for a functional, welcoming place of worship.
Over the decades the church has continued to serve not only as a centre for sacramental life but also as a hub of local ecumenical engagement. From 1979 to 1981, St Swithun’s was shared with the congregation of the nearby Anglican parish of St Peter after a fire destroyed their building.
In the years that followed, the parish developed its facilities with the addition of a parish hall in 2000, enhancing the church’s role as a place for community gatherings, catechesis, and outreach. The church grounds include historic cast-iron statues that originally stood at LSU College in Southampton before being gifted to the parish, symbolising continuity with the wider Catholic heritage of the region.
Today St Swithun’s continues to be an active, welcoming parish within the Diocese of Portsmouth, honouring its patron saint and serving the spiritual needs of Catholics across North East Hampshire.
St Thomas More
St Thomas More Catholic Church in Hartley Wintney reflects the growth of the Catholic community in this Hampshire village during the mid-20th century. Before the local church was established, Catholic worshippers in the area would travel to neighbouring parishes for Mass and sacraments. In the early 1960s, as the local population increased, plans were made for a dedicated Catholic church to serve the faithful of Hartley Wintney and the surrounding area.
The church was built in 1962 according to the design of J. M. Raymond and originally seated only 40 people. In response to growing attendance, it was enlarged in 1965 to accommodate around 120 worshippers. The modest hall-type structure of yellow brick with a tiled roof reflects the practical architectural approach of the time, providing a simple yet dignified setting for Catholic worship.
Since its establishment, St Thomas More has become an integral spiritual home for local Catholics, offering regular Masses, catechetical programmes, and sacramental preparation. The parish takes its name from Saint Thomas More, the English martyr and patron of statesmen, whose witness to faith and conscience has inspired generations of believers; the choice of this patron reflects the parish’s commitment to living the Gospel in daily life.
Over the years, the church building and community have adapted to changing pastoral needs. Although the structure suffered damage in a 2016 fire when the roof was destroyed, the parish rallied together and continued its life of worship and service in the interim, demonstrating the resilience and dedication of its members.
Today St Thomas More remains a vibrant parish within the pastoral area of North East Hampshire, maintaining active programmes for all ages and welcoming Catholics and visitors alike to participate in the sacramental and communal life of the Church.