St Boniface Old Church, Bonchurch, Ventnor, Isle of Wight
St Boniface Old Church, Bonchurch Village Road, Bonchurch, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1RQ
St Boniface Old Church, Bonchurch, is one of the oldest surviving churches on the Isle of Wight. The present building is usually described as dating from the Norman period, with the nave and chancel originating in the 11th to 13th centuries, while its dedication and local tradition point to earlier Saxon Christian roots. The church ceased to be the main parish church when the larger St Boniface Church on Bonchurch Shute was consecrated in 1848, but it survived despite discussion about demolition. Today it remains a much-loved historic place of prayer, notable for its simple medieval character, bellcote, ancient churchyard and associations with Bonchurch’s long religious and literary history.
Timings
- Friday 11 September:
- 11:00 to 15:00
- Saturday 12 September:
- 11:00 to 15:00
- Sunday 13 September:
- 11:00 to 15:00
- 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 Boniface Old Church, Bonchurch Village Road, Bonchurch, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1RQ
- Directions:
- Just on the outskirts of the town heading east towards Bonchurch, pass the pond heading through the village taking the 1st right and the church is down the hill on the right hand side.
- Contact on day:
- Kevin Norton
- Telephone number:
- +447500117741
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Limited parking available on the road
Additional information
The building preserves much of its simple medieval character: the nave is generally associated with the 12th century and the chancel with the 13th century, while the west bellcote is a later addition. Its stonework is of particular interest, including Isle of Wight stone rubble, round-headed windows, the Norman south doorway and traces of early wall painting on the north wall. The chancel arch was restored and embellished by the Island architect Percy Stone in the early 20th century, adding carved impost blocks and dogtooth ornament in a sympathetic Norman style.
