St Agnes, Freshwater, Isle of Wight

St Agnes Church, Freshwater Bay, is a charming and distinctive Edwardian church and the only thatched church on the Isle of Wight. Built in 1908 to designs by architect Isaac Jones of Herne Hill, and constructed by Messrs White Brothers, it was funded by public subscription to serve the residents and summer visitors of Freshwater Bay who had previously worshipped in a cramped iron mission church. The site was donated by Hallam Tennyson, 2nd Baron Tennyson, from his Farringford Estate; it was his wife Audrey who suggested the dedication to St Agnes of Rome, the early Christian martyr who was killed for refusing to deny her faith. The church was consecrated by the Bishop of Winchester on 12 August 1908. The building is a simple and picturesque structure with a thatched roof, wooden bell-turret and apse, built of stone rubble from a demolished farmhouse. The west elevation is plain, with two small lancet windows flanked by buttresses, while the north frontage is more picturesque. Inside, the walls are rough stone and the roof has braced tie-beams. The beautifully carved three-arched wooden screen dates from 1943–1946 and was the work of the curate, T G Devitt, who also carved the choir stalls with geometric panels. The church nestles beneath Tennyson Down, within sight and sound of the sea, and is open every day for visitors and quiet contemplation.

Timings

Friday 11 September:

11:00 to 15:00

Saturday 12 September:

11:00 to 15:00

Sunday 13 September:

08:30 Morning Prayer

Monday 14 September:

11:00 to 15:00

Tuesday 15 September:

11:00 to 15:00

Wednesday 16 September:

11:00 to 15:00

Thursday 17 September:

11:00 to 15:00

Friday 18 September:

11:00 to 15:00

Saturday 19 September:

11:00 to 15:00

Sunday 20 September:

11:00 to 15:00

Location & directions

St Agnes, Gate Lane, Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight, PO40 9QD

Contact on day:

Sheila Spivey (Church Warden)

Telephone number:

+447761138402

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The church is located on Gate Lane in Freshwater Bay, opposite the Piano Café & close to Tennyson Down. Access via steps or wheelchair access from the road. Parking on surrounding roads.

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