St Thomas's Church victim of World War II. The present ruin of St Thomas's Church is the result of severe bombing during World War II. The raid, in December 1940 lasted from nightfall to dawn, the hands of the clock showed that the church received a direct strike at 7.25pm. All that remained was the church tower. Many of the Church treasures were salvaged from the debris by Ernest Mason, a dedicated member of the congregation. In 1941 the site was purchased by the corporation and the following year designated a public open space. In 1953 the area was turned into a garden to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.