The history of late Victorian Isle of Wight churches

The seaside holiday became the fashion for the middle class, and the builders, brickmakers and stonemasons were much in demand.

What had been small villages expanded into the countryside, and new churches and chapels soon followed.

Churches were enlarged to cater for greater congregations, some several times during the Victorian period.

A recent useful addition to All Saints Church has been the creation of a dais in front of the chancel steps. Tiles were sourced from the continent to match the originals, so the character of Sir Gilbert Scott’s original design has not been compromised (Image: IW Society)

At St Saviour, Shanklin, Island architect Thomas Hellyer started building in 1867, then other architects designed various extensions so that the building was not completed until 1903.

St Paul’s Church, Shanklin, also took several years to complete to its present form, although it suffered damage from bombing in 1943.

There the architect was C. L. Luck, who also designed St John’s Church in Carter Street, Sandown, built in 1881. Local stone was used.

At Ventnor, Holy Trinity Church was built in 1861 with a fine spire above the spacious interior.

At Wroxall, the church of St John the Evangelist was designed by Ventnor architect T. R. Saunders in 1877, with a tower and short spire added in 1911.

The most prominent of later Victorian Churches is All Saints, Ryde. High on the hill, it was designed by one of the most famous church architects of the period, Sir George Gilbert Scott.

He created the main part of the church, which took three years to build, starting in 1869.

Swanage stone was brought here to build it, with Bath stone used for the dressings.

The clock at Newport Minster, before and after restoration (Image: IW Society)

Internally, all Scott’s elaborate work remains. The nave has impressive arches to the north and south aisles.

The Reredos behind the altar is of white marble. Scott’s font and pulpit are very ornate, both making use of black marble columns.

The tower and spire were designed by Scott’s son, John Oldrid Scott in 1881.

This is a landmark when looking at Ryde from the Solent. The Royal Victoria Yacht Club paid towards the building of the church, in memory of Prince Albert.

St Saviour on the cliff at Shanklin, by Richard Lashley of the IW County Press Camera Club (Image: Richard Lashley)A recent useful addition to All Saints Church has been the creation of a dais in front of the chancel steps.

Tiles were sourced from the continent to match the originals, so the character of Sir Gilbert Scott’s original design has not been compromised.

This year should see the completion of the restoration of Newport Minster.

Much work has been carried out over the last few years, much of it due to the stone that was used.

This was from Caen, in France, and is quite soft, hence the deterioration of the external work.

Unfortunately, because of its listed status, the same type of stone has had to be used in the restoration.

So in another 160 years it will have deteriorated again, as wind and rain will take their toll.

We look forward to being able visit and use the Minster.

The spire at Holy Trinity Church in Ventnor by Pamela Parker (Image: Pamela Parker)

Many churches are looking at their present role in modern society.

Although there are dwindling congregations, often the church is the centre of a community, and provides a large central gathering space, that can be used by people of all faiths or none.