St Michael's Church

The parish church of St Michael stands prominently on the east side of Church Street, occupying an elevated position that affords striking coastal views from its tower and from the rear of the churchyard. The building seen today largely dates from the early sixteenth century, reflecting a major phase of rebuilding during that period. However, the church’s origins are much earlier, and clear evidence of Norman construction survives within its fabric.

Historical records confirm the existence of a church in Lyme as early as 1145, indicating that St Michael’s has long been at the spiritual heart of the community. At that time, the settlement of Lyme was probably focused lower down Church Street, closer to the shoreline, before gradually expanding uphill. As the town developed, the church remained a focal point, its commanding position reinforcing both its religious significance and its visual presence within the landscape.

Inside St Michael’s Parish Church in Lyme Regis is a stained-glass window dedicated to the pioneering fossil hunter Mary Anning.