St. Mary's Church, Brighstone

St Mary’s Church stands in the village of Brighouse on the Isle of Wight, a medieval parish church whose earliest parts date from the twelfth century. The churchyard holds a stone commemorating George Albert Cairns VC, a local recipient of the Victoria Cross. A short tower contains eight bells, six cast in 1961 and two more added in 2017, the heaviest weighing seven hundredweight. In the seventeenth century a spire was added to the top of the tower. The church is grouped with two other nearby churches, St Mary’s Brook and St Peter and St Paul’s Mottistone. The church is known for the Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival, a large annual event held each December. Hundreds of trees are created by individuals, groups and businesses across four venues, making it one of the biggest festivals of its kind. The festival began as a joint effort with Mottistone and now draws visitors to the area each year. Three former rectors of the church later became bishops, including Thomas Ken, writer of well-known hymns. Samuel Wilberforce, youngest son of the abolitionist William Wilberforce, also served here before his elevation. Inside, the nave contains an electric organ at the west end, replacing the former pipe instrument. The church’s interior offers a quiet space for reflection beside the memorial to George Albert Cairns. The surrounding village of Brighouse provides a peaceful setting for a visit. The church’s grouping with nearby parishes links it to a wider network of historic places of worship.