The Victorian period saw a sharp rise in the population of towns on the Island, especially after the coming of the railways in 1864.

Even before that the number of churches increased as towns developed.

Several mainland church architects were employed here, producing some excellent work.

Scroll through our photos of churches above

Bonchurch was a popular village for Victorian visitors and residents, but with only a tiny church.

A new church, also dedicated to St Boniface, was built nearby in 1847, by the architect Benjamin Ferry.

The style is Neo-Norman, with delightful internal Norman style crossing arches.

The transepts were not on the original plan, but give the church a wide open feel.

It is almost hidden away among the trees but well worth a visit.

St Paul’s at Barton in Newport was built in 1844 by J. W. Wild.

This is a visible statement on the main Staplers Road into the town, with a tower and spire which is of Gothic style.

It also has Romanesque features, such as round headed lancet windows. The 1844 stained glass in the apse is similar to that at New College, Oxford, with vivid colour.

Another early Victorian church with a notable architect is the Roman Catholic church of St Mary, Ryde, the work of Joseph Hansom.

He is best known for the High Gothic Arundel Cathedral – high up on the hill.

St Mary’s church hides away in the High Street, and the street front is well worth a second look. Internally there is some work by Pugin.

In contrast to mainlanders, Thomas Hellyer was a prolific Island architect, who designed both St John’s and Holy Trinity Churches at Ryde and Holy Trinity at Bembridge, all in the 1840s.

The proportions of Ryde Holy Trinity church are most pleasing, and it is good that the splendid building has been saved. The spire is one of the major Ryde landmarks.

One of the most ornate early Victorian churches on the Island is Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s Whippingham Church.

Prince Albert helped A. J. Humbert with the design, and was a frequent visitor during the construction, begun in 1854.

The chancel originally had seating for the royal family on the south side, and the royal household on the north. Some of the original dark blue velvet covered chairs remain.

The Queen had her own entrance to the church, leading directly into her side of the chancel.

The north side of the chancel later became the Battenberg Chapel, housing the tomb of Prince Henry and his wife Princess Beatrice, with a beautiful Art Nouveau bronze screen.

The central tower dominates the building, with spire, pinnacles, and gargoyles, and internally provides a dramatically spacious octagonal 'lantern'. 

The two transept rose windows are said to have been designed especially for Queen Victoria, after she had visited Notre Dame in Paris.

Sadly Prince Albert never worshipped at the completed church, as the first service was held in January 1862.

These early Victorian churches all contribute to the architectural style of the Island.