St Michael the Archangel, Shalfleet, Isle of Wight
St Michael the Archangel, Main Road, Shalfleet, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 4NF
St Michael the Archangel dates back to the 11c the oldest parts are the Early Norman tower and the North doorway with its sculpted tympanum, the tower is like a small keep and may have been originally defensive, the only access then would have been by ladders, a refuge for local people during raids given the nearby Newtown river. The church was remodeled in the mid to late 13c with a new chancel, a South aisle and a four bay arcade of Purbeck marble with finely carved bell capitals There is some very good stained glass Other interesting features are a Mass dial on the South doorway, a biplane in the WW1 memorial window, unusual oval lights in the tracery of three of the South aisle windows and box pews The original dedication is lost and the church was re dedicated to St Michael the Archangel in 1964.
Timings
- Friday 11 September:
- 11:00 to 15:00
- Saturday 12 September:
- 11:00 to 15:00
- Sunday 13 September:
- 11:00 BCP 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 Michael the Archangel, Main Road, Shalfleet, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 4NF
- Directions:
- The church stands at the heart of Shalfleet village, opposite the pub and close to the village hall and green.
- Contact on day:
- Nick Oulton
- Telephone number:
- +447788745339
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
As an ancient Grade I listed church with historic fabric and a churchyard setting, parking to the rear of the church, with no step-free access.
Additional information
Shalfleet's strategic position at the head of the tidal Newtown Creek made it vulnerable to attack from the sea. The tower's exceptional wall thickness — over five feet — and its original design without a ground-level entrance reflect the genuine threat of coastal raids. Newtown itself was devastated by a French attack in 1377, and the tower served as a place of refuge for local people during such incursions.
