St. Mary's Church, Brighstone 2.15

St. Mary's Church, Brighstone, is a parish church in the Church of England located in Brighstone, Isle of Wight. The churchyard contains a memorial stone to George Albert Cairns VC.HistoryThe church is medieval dating from the twelfth century. The short tower contains a ring of 6 bells all cast by Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1961. The largest weighs 7cwt. The spire was added in the 17th century.TodayThe church holds an annual Christmas tree festival in conjunction with the one at Mottistone that has become a popular tourist attraction.This event occurs in four locations: St Mary's Church, BrighstoneBrighstone Methodist ChurchSt. Peter and St. Paul's Church, MottistoneWilberforce Hall,Brighstone. Several hundred entries are created by individuals, groups and businesses, making it one of the biggest festivals of its type.Parish statusThe church is grouped with: St. Mary's Church, BrighstoneSt. Mary's Church, BrookSt. Peter and St. Paul's Church, MottistoneList of incumbentsThree former Rectors have become Bishops: Thomas Ken hymn writer Samuel Wilberforce - the youngest son of William Wilberforce George Moberly - became Bishop of Salisbury