All Saints' Church, Ryde

All Saints’ Church stands on the Isle of Wight, its tall spire rising above Ryde and visible from the mainland. Built between 1868 and 1872 by George Gilbert Scott, the church follows ornate Second Pointed style with stone-rubble walls and ashlar dressings. A later spire was added in 1881–82, and the tower holds eight bells cast in 1866. Clayton and Bell painted the chancel walls, while the vestry became a choir school in 1891. Two side chapels flank the aisles: the Warrior Chapel in the north and the Chapel of the Good Shepherd in the south. The pulpit, made of Derbyshire alabaster on marble columns, won first prize at the Great Exhibition of 1851. The church’s interior reflects its long musical tradition, with an organ by Henry Willis installed in 1874. A choir has sung here since consecration, affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music and performing at cathedrals across southern England. Services range from traditional Anglican worship with organ music to contemporary services led by a band. The church also hosts choral sections of the Isle of Wight Music, Dance and Drama Festival, taking advantage of its fine acoustic. A war memorial cross stands on the north-east boundary, marking the church’s role in remembrance. Inside, visitors find pointed arcades with naturalistic capitals and stained glass mostly in the north aisle and sanctuary. The font, pulpit and reredos show Scott’s characteristic craftsmanship, while the Chapel of the Good Shepherd holds a window dedicated to Samuel Poole. The interior is being re-ordered, with plans to replace the tiled floor and remove wooden benches. The spire’s height and the church’s landmark status make it a familiar sight across the island and beyond.