Church of St. John the Baptist, Newport

The Church of St John the Baptist stands in the centre of Newport on the Isle of Wight at the corner of St John’s Road and Terrace Road. Built in the 19th century for £3,600, it opened in 1837 with 830 seats. The architect was Robert Gunter Wetten, whose only surviving work this church remains. Originally a chapel of ease for Carisbrooke, it became a separate parish church in 1896. Today it belongs to a group of four churches on the island. The building is notable for its pipe organ, installed by Bryceson Brothers in 1890. Before that, a smaller organ had been provided at opening. The instrument’s specification is recorded in the National Pipe Organ Register. A list of organists begins with J.H. Mew in 1836 and continues to the present day. Among them, Alexander S. L. Scadding served from 1890 to 1921. The post is currently held by John Matthews. Inside, the church offers a quiet space with its high box pews and clear glass windows. The 1890 organ occupies the west gallery, its pipes visible above the west door. The building’s Grade II listing recognises its architectural importance. The surrounding streets of Newport provide easy access, and the church sits within walking distance of the island’s shops and cafés.