St. Mildred's Church, Whippingham

St. Mildred's Church in Whippingham is a Gothic building topped with a distinctive octagonal lantern and decorated with rose windows, completed in 1862. The interior displays Victorian design elements with carefully crafted details and ornamental features throughout.

The church was built in 1862 as a place of worship for the growing community on the Isle of Wight. Queen Victoria attended services there until 1880, when she moved her worship to a private chapel at nearby Osborne House.

The Battenberg Chapel inside holds memorials and the tomb of Prince Henry of Battenberg and Princess Beatrice. It reflects the royal ties that drew members of the royal family to worship here for many years.

The building is open during daytime hours with guided tours available and free parking on-site. Visitors should note that access may be limited during certain times of year, so checking ahead is recommended before planning a visit.

The churchyard contains graves of 84 Hessian soldiers from the Musketeer Regiment Prinz Carl who served under British command during the 1790s. This quiet corner with its historic gravestones marks a lesser-known chapter of military history between German and British forces.