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Archiver > ISLE-OF-WIGHT > 1999-06 > 0928647056


From: Barry Drinkle <>
Subject: Isle-of-Wight Holiday 1912 #56
Date: Sat, 05 Jun 1999 22:30:56 -0700


Whippingham Church.
The interest of the building lies in the fact that it was the
Royal Church attended by the Royal Family when in residence
at Osborne, and was "designed by Albert, Prince Consort, and
rebuilt by Queen Victoria in conjunction with him in the year
of our Lord MDCCCLXI." It occupies the site of an edifice
"dedicated in the twelfth century to Mildred, a Saxon Princess,
and founded by William Fitz-Osbern in 1066, by whom it was
bestowed, with five others, upon the Abbey of Lire." (Lyra).
In style the church may be best described as a modern
adaptation of Early English, but it is of distinctly foreign
appearance. The ground plan takes the form of a Latin cross,
and the building comprises chancel, north and south transepts,
and nave, the unusual length of the chancel being due to the
fact that the Osborne pews are located in it. The large
central tower is surmounted by a spire of peculiar construction,
with spirelets at the four corners. The sides of the tower are
filled with good stained glass, an arrangement which gives a
rich and airy appearance to the interior of the church.
The Sanctuary was enriched by King Edward VII in memory of
Queen Victoria. He presented the beautiful marble Reredos
depicting the Last Supper, while other work carried out at
his command included repaving the chancel floor, decoration
and lining, and the provision of a new oak roof.
The windows behind the altar were the gift of Queen Victoria.
The statue to the left of the altar represents St. Mildred.
The Royal Pew, on the south side of the chancel, was
reseated as part of the scheme for beautifying the church.
Queen Victoria's chair is on the extreme right. On the wall
of the pew is a medallion of the Prince Consort with two
angels holding a crown above his head. The inscription
records that the monument was "placed in the church,
erected under his direction, by his broken-hearted and
devoted widow, Queen Victoria, 1864.
Other monuments in the Royal Pew are to Princess Alice
and to the Duke of Albany.
The pew is approached by a private entrance under a
Norman archway.
Facing the Royal Pew is -
TheBattenberg Chapel,
where rest the remains of Prince Henry of Battenberg,
husband of Princess Beatrice. Tender thoughtfulness has
been bestowed upon every detail connected with this
monument. The beautiful open screen is of brass from a
design by A. Gilbert. An autograph inscription by Queen
Victoria records that the work is a memorial of her
"beloved son-in-law." The base of the sarcophagus is of
dove marble, and the panels above bear the arms and orders
of the Prince and Princess, carved in perfect detail. The
massive top has appropriate scripture texts, and the
inscription "In te Domine spero." By the tomb is a
kneeling hassock worked by Queen Victoria. The altar-
table, of dove and statuary marble, is approached by
polished steps. Above the table is a bronze figure of
an angel with outstretched wings, by Princess Louise.
Other monuments of interest are those in the north
transept to Sir Henry Ponsonby, and to the father of
Dr. Arnold of Rugby.
In the churchyard is the tomb of the Marquis of Milford
Haven (brother of Prince Henry of Battenberg). There are
also the tombs of many of Queen Victoria's servants
of all degrees.
The picturesque cottages opposite the church are the
Victoria and Albert Almshouses, erected by the Queen
in 1880.
TBC

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