Places to Visit in Brading
St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s Church is one of the oldest churches on the Island: it stands on an early Christian site which has been used for worship since the 680s. Much of the impressive interior originated from the wealth of bygone times when Brading prospered from its maritime trading, the oldest part of the church being the transitional Norman nave of five bays dating from the late 1100s. This Parish Church is part of the town’s historic past, with a special connection to the Oglander family of Nunwell, and remains integral to the enrichment of life in Brading’s modern community.
The Church welcomes visitors through its ancient doors. As you approach, you will notice the unusual entrance with its tower open on three sides - one of only four such towers in England. The exterior wooden steps lead up to the bell chamber where there is a ring of eight bells.
Inside the church, there is a Guide Booklet and Book Stall to help you make the most of your visit, on which you will encounter interesting contrasts:
~ initial darkness and light softly filtered through stained glass;
~ cool pale-coloured pillars and warm mellowed oak pews;
~ formally dressed altars and a simple prayer tree for requests;
~ Oglander knights carved in blackened wood and baby Rollo sculpted in
white marble;
~ a brass dedication to Reverend Legh Richmond’s concern for the
poor and more sombre stone remembrances of high-born benefactors;
~ the spacious grandeur of a colonnaded central aisle and the peaceful
intimacy of the DeAula Chapel - offering you the opportunity for quiet
reflection and private prayer.
This cherished building has been restored several times over previous
centuries, each generation of churchgoers contributing to its maintenance
so that it has survived for all to enjoy today.
Parishioners in current times hope you will share something of their enthusiasm for the latest challenging Restoration Project which started in the year 2000 and continues. You can follow its progress from the illustrated records on display inside. Completion of the first stage of the work was marked by a Service of Thanksgiving in June 2006.