Foundation

The first Roman Catholic church that was built in Southampton after the Reformation was the Pugin designed St Joseph's Church. In 1867, the priest there decided that a new church was needed in Southampton to the serve the growing Catholic population in the city. In 1884, two years after the Diocese of Portsmouth was created, St Edmund's Church was built. It was temporary, made of iron and was named after Saint Edmund of Abingdon, co-patron of the diocese.^[3]

Construction

On 21 June 1888, construction began on a larger and permanent St Edmund's Church. The architect was J. William Lunn, who also designed Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, King's Lynn, Corpus Christi Church in Boscombe, Corpus Christi Church in Portsmouth and St Catherine's Church in Chipping Camden. It was opened on 20 November 1889, the birth date of Saint Edmund of Abingdon. Present at the church's opening was the Bishop of Portsmouth, John Vertue, and Canon Alexander Scoles, who was an architect himself.^[3]

Renovations and Restorations

In 1918, the sanctuary was redecorated. The walls were repainted and stained-glass windows by Lavers, Barraud and Westlake were made. Two paintings were added and communion rails by Hardman & Powell were installed. From 1967 to 1969, the church was renovated. A small spire or flèche at the west end of the church was removed. The porch inside the church was enlarged and a new organ, from St Mark's Church in Portsmouth, was installed.^[3]

In 1988, a fire broke out and severely damaged the building. By 1989, restoration of the church was complete and it was reopened.^[3]

On the Northern side of the church is a small building known as St Edmund's Lodge. The Presbytery is located in one of two large houses to the south of the Church; the other is used as Catholic student accommodation. Also to the south is a 1960s building which is used as the Church Hall.