St. Mary's Church is a

parish church A parish church (or parochial church) in Christianity is the church which acts as the religious centre of a parish. In many parts of the world, especially in rural areas, the parish church may play a significant role in community activities, ...

in the

Church of England The Church of England (C of E) is the established Christian church in England and the mother church of the international Anglican Communion. It traces its history to the Christian church recorded as existing in the Roman province of Britain ...

located in

Brighstone Brighstone is a village and civil parish on the Isle of Wight, 6 miles southwest of Newport on the B3399 road. Brighstone was previously known as "Brixton". The name derives from the Saxon name " Ecgbert's Tun". Brighstone is the largest vi ...

Isle of Wight The Isle of Wight ( ) is a county in the English Channel, off the coast of Hampshire, from which it is separated by the Solent. It is the largest and second-most populous island of England. Referred to as 'The Island' by residents, the Isle of ...

. The churchyard contains a memorial stone to

George Albert Cairns Lieutenant George Albert Cairns VC (12 December 1913 – 19 March 1944) was a British Army officer and an English recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and ...

VC.

History

The church is medieval dating from the twelfth century. The short tower contains a ring of 8 bells all cast by

Whitechapel Bell Foundry The Whitechapel Bell Foundry was a business in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. At the time of the closure of its Whitechapel premises, it was the oldest manufacturing company in Great Britain. The bell foundry primarily made church bells a ...

: six in 1961 with two more added in 2017. The largest weighs 7cwt. The spire was added in the 17th century.

Today

The church holds an annual Christmas tree festival (the

Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival is a local event occurring in various venues around Brighstone and Mottistone on the Isle of Wight in England for the winter tourist season. This charitable event raises money for local and national charities. ...

) in conjunction with the one at

Mottistone Mottistone is a village on the Isle of Wight, located in the popular tourist area the Back of the Wight.http://www.backofthewight.net It is located 8 Miles southwest of Newport in the southwest of the island, and is home to the National Trus ...

that has become a popular tourist attraction.islandpulse.co.uk/b2/brighstone-christmas-tree-festival-2009 This event occurs in four locations: *St Mary's Church, Brighstone * Brighstone Methodist Church *

St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, Mottistone St Peter and St Paul's Church is a parish church in the Church of England in the village of Mottistone, Isle of Wight. It is a Grade I listed building. History The church is medieval, dating from the 12th century, by Brian de Insula, lord of Mo ...

* Wilberforce Hall, Brighstone. Several hundred entries are created by individuals, groups and businesses, making it one of the biggest festivals of its type.

Parish status

The church is grouped with: *St. Mary's Church, Brighstone * St. Mary's Church, Brook *

List of incumbents

Three former Rectors have become Bishops: * Thomas Ken hymn writer * Samuel Wilberforce - the youngest son of

William Wilberforce William Wilberforce (24 August 175929 July 1833) was a British politician, philanthropist and leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade. A native of Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, he began his political career in 1780, eventually becom ...

* George Moberly - became Bishop of Salisbury

Organ

The church does not have a pipe organ but instead has an electric one at the west end of the nave. A specification of the former pipe organ can be found on th
National Pipe Organ Register

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Brighstone, St. Mary's Church of England church buildings on the Isle of Wight Grade I listed churches on the Isle of Wight Mary