Victorian photo #4: Bonchurch, Isle of Wight (100 Gems of English Scenery)

From ‘One Hundred Gems of English Scenery’, 1901

Although there is now gathered about the old church a town which has appropriated the name, there is little doubt that “Bonchurch” originally exclusively signified the ecclesiastical edifice. However that may be, the now disused building is the great attraction of the district and well worth the attention of the crowds of visitors from Ventnor and the neighbourhood. It owes its picturesqueness to its lovely situation on the rocky slope of the hill over-looking the sea, being literally embowered with trees, which flourish with exceptional luxuriance in the sheltered undercliff.

Another church has been built for the conduct of divine service, and the building in the picture is reverently preserved as an ancient monument.

George and Mary Millman returned to the Isle of Wight with their children Hepsie and Kitty to visit Mary’s family in Ryde. They saw Old St Boniface Church in Bonchurch, just before their ascent of St Boniface Down (see The Millman Letters)