Churches and Cathedrals in Isle of Wight

"The oldest architecture at Portsmouth Cathedral goes back to a 12th-century chapel dedicated to the slain Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket. This was almost totally obliterated in 1642 during the English Civil War, and only the Early English Gothic transept and choir survived. In the chancel there’s a monument to George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, who was assassinated by an army officer at the Greyhound Pub in Portsmouth in 1628."

"The foundation stone of Portsmouth Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral Church of St. Thomas of Canterbury, was laid in 1185. The chancel and transepts date from Norman times, while the choir is in the late style of Sir Christopher Wren. A highlight is the south side aisle of the choir, dedicated to the Royal Navy and including mementos of the Mary Rose and Nelson's HMS Victory."

"The original Cistercian monastery at Beaulieu was founded in 1204 by King John, and its Abbey Church dedicated was in 1246. Most of the Abbey fell into ruins after the dissolution of the monasteries by King Henry VIII, but the domus, cloisters and refectory still remain. The refectory (monks’ dining hall) of the original abbey became the parish church of Beaulieu, and has remained so ever since, making it one of the oldest church buildings in the Forest."

"In 1662 this 13th-century church on Grand Parade hosted the wedding ceremony between King Charles II and Princess Catherine of Braganza. When it was founded the church belonged to an almshouse and hospice complex, and the way it looks now is the result of a firebomb raid in 1941. This took out the roof of the nave, which has never been replaced."

"Royal Garrison Church, or Domus Dei (Hospital of Saint Nicholas) was an almshouse and hospice established in 1212 by Pierre des Roches, Bishop of Winchester."

"High on a mound dominating the Forest’s capital, Lyndhurst, stands the church of St. Michael and All Angels. Whilst a comparative newcomer to the scene it isone of the more prominent New Forest churches and a fine example of Victorian Gothic style architecture. The present building, the third on the site, was built between 1858-69 during the height of the village’s popularity with Victorian gentry."

"Address: Bishop's House, Edinburgh Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3HG, England, UK Tel: +44 023 9282 6613 Located around 1.5 km / 1 mile to the north of the Cathedral of St. Thomas of Canterbury is the city's Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Serving the city as the seat for the Bishop of Portsmouth, this landmark took ten years to build and was completed in the summer of 1892. Built out of Fareham red bricks, the architecture is best described as being French Gothic and features a beautiful curving apse, as well as colourful stained-glass windows and fine details within its St. Patrick's Chapel."

"It may be tucked away in the grounds of the Christchurch Harbour Hotel, but The Jetty operates as a stand-alone restaurant – slap-bang on the wat ..." Read our full review"

"Afternoon tea (booking essential) is served between midday and 4.30pm. Enjoy afternoon tea at Elmers Court's Waterford Restaurant which is situated within the 19th century manor house, which has fabulous views down the lawn to the Solent shore. Choose between a traditional afternoon tea, cream tea or just freshly baked cake!"