Church Of St Mary

SZ 4996 SW COWES CHURCH ROAD West Cowes

2/35 Church of St Mary

17.8.51 II*

Anglican church. Original church of1657 enlarged at the east end in 1811 by Joseph Richards; west tower by John Nash added in 1815-16; except for the tower the whole church was rebuilt in 1867 by Arthur Cates. The unusual Graeco-Egyptian style tapering tower built of ashlar having parapet with 4 plain Acroteria and bell-stage having oblong openings on each side set with 2 short Greek Doric columns. The tower was given by George Ward of Northwood House adjoining as the family mausoleum and the interior contains memorial tables to the Ward family. The remainder of Nash's church was demolished and rebuilt by Arthur Cates. Four bay nave built of stone rubble with slate roof Clerestory. Apsidal-ended chancel. South gabled porch witll sundial of 1762. The interior has polychromatic brickwork and has wooden north and south galleries, and chancel screen. The churchyard contains C18 headstones with cherub, urn or scull, crossbones and hourglass motifs, early C19 headstones with sunray motifs, urn monuments and early C19 chest tombs.

Listing NGR: SZ4929696500