Our long history in the community
A silent sentinel marking time, witnessing generations of faith and community in the heart of Aldershot since the church's founding.
Nearly 900 years of history
St Michael's is the oldest building in Aldershot. It was most likely built between 1120 and 1150, on land once owned by Alfred the Great, who left it to the monks of Winchester Cathedral. Back then, Aldershot was just a small village, and the church stood right at its heart.
Over the centuries, St Michael's has seen a lot of change. It survived a fire started by soldiers during the Civil War in 1645. In 1801, fears about body snatchers led to the building of special brick-arched graves in the churchyard, some of which you can still see today.
The biggest change came in the 1850s, when the British Army moved to Aldershot Camp nearby. The population shot up from 875 people to 16,000 almost overnight. St Michael's had to grow with the town, and the church was extended more than once to reach the size it is today.
- On The left you can see a brief descripton
- On the right you can see our most influential events for our family
Echoes of stone and spirit through the centuries
Each date below marks a chapter in the story of St Michael's. These stones have watched over Aldershot through war, growth and change, and they are still standing today.
1120
The Founding of St Michael's
The church is built on land once owned by Alfred the Great, who left it to the monks of Winchester. It becomes the centre of Aldershot village, and the start of a story that continues today.
1600
The Bell Tower is Built
The brick tower is added to the church, originally holding 3 bells. During the reign of Elizabeth I, the tower also forms part of a chain of beacons used to warn of a Spanish invasion.
1645
The Church Survives the Fire
Royalist soldiers set fire to the village of Aldershot during the Civil War, but St Michael's is spared. The church stands strong through the flames, just as it has through everything else.
1859
Aldershot Camp Changes Everything
The British Army moves to Aldershot Camp nearby, and the local population grows from 875 to 16,000 almost overnight. St Michael's grows too, extended to serve its fast-growing community.
1911
The Church Reaches Its Present Size
St Michael's is extended once more to become the church we know today. The bells are also rehung and increased to 6, with 2 more added in 1920 in memory of those lost in the First World War.
