St Mary's Church, Brighstone

50°38′32.6″N 01°23′40.5″W / 50.642389°N 1.394583°W / 50.642389; -1.394583

St. Mary's Church, Brighstone
St. Mary's Church, Brighstone
Map
DenominationChurch of England
ChurchmanshipBroad Church
Website[1]
History
DedicationSt. Mary
Administration
ProvinceCanterbury
DiocesePortsmouth
ParishBrighstone
Clergy
Vicar(s)Revd Jackie Maw
South face of the church.
Memorial to George Cairns VC.

St. Mary's Church is a parish church in the Church of England located in Brighstone, Isle of Wight. The churchyard contains a memorial stone to George Albert Cairns VC.

History

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The church is medieval dating from the twelfth century.[1] The short tower contains a ring of 8 bells all cast by Whitechapel Bell Foundry: six in 1961 with two more added in 2017. The largest weighs 7cwt. The spire was added in the 17th century.

Today

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The church holds an annual Christmas tree festival (the Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival) in conjunction with the one at Mottistone that has become a popular tourist attraction.[2]

This event occurs in four locations:

Several hundred entries are created by individuals, groups and businesses, making it one of the biggest festivals of its type.[citation needed]

Parish status

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The church is grouped with:

List of incumbents

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Three former Rectors have become Bishops:

Organ

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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 the National Pipe Organ Register.

References

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  1. ^ The Buildings of England, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Nikolaus Pevsner
  2. ^ islandpulse.co.uk/b2/brighstone-christmas-tree-festival-2009