All Saints, Calbourne

Although the original grant of land was made by King Egbert in A.D. 826 and a church was undoubtedly founded here shortly after there are virtually no records of this early period. The entire building was largely rebuilt in the 13th century and all that remains of earlier work are traces, including the window, in the west wall. Some authorities claim this to be the most complete example of a 13th century church to be found in the Isle of Wight. By tradition and practice the north Transept became associated with Swainston and the south with Westover.

Eventually, in the 15th century, the south Transept was rebuilt and enlarged. It was probably at this lime that an altar tomb, situated in the south aisle, was dismantled and the brass placed on the floor. Late, In 1683, when the tower was fire damaged and fell. the brass was badly damaged, and brass rubbers still suffer the effects of the damage to this day. The Tomb was a false one. said to be one of thirteen, which the Earl of Salisbury. William Montacute's father, had erected in memory of his son. Tradition has it that William was killed by his father in a jousting tournament at Windsor in 1383.

The north Transept was rebuilt in the 19th century together with the burial vault underneath and also the north Porch.

Two scratch dials, the only means of liming the services in the early days, are to be seen on the Priest's Doorway in the south side of the Chancel. The left hand one is supposed to mislead the devil whilst the other gives the correct time. The dials are much weathered but still possible lo discern.

Inside, starling from the Sanctuary, there is a fine carved replica of Leonardo da Vinci's 'Last Supper' mounted as a Reredos. This fine work is early 19lh century. The colourful tiles at either side were probably put in at the same lime. The taste (or otherwise) of these has been controversial ever since - hence the lovely blue curtains.

Also in the Sanctuary is an unusual brass in memory of Daniel Evance, the Cromwellian Minister. It may not be rubbed as, duetto its thinness, it would be quickly destroyed. There is a black and white replica of it in the chancel.

The 13th century windows in the Chancel and south Transept are described as splayed lancet with trefoil piercing in the Chancel and qualrefoil piercing in the south Transept. They illustrate an interesting development in window tracery.

There are some interesting sculptures at the top of the north and south Chancel walls. These six pieces show four faces. Traditionally two would be of the reigning King and Queen whilst the other two are probably of craftsmen of the time.

The Pulpit is a product of the 19lh century restoration. The marble columns, as those In the reredos. are supposed to be from the Montacute mock tomb which was in the south Transcept.

The Font is described by some authorities as early English and by others as late transitional Norman. It would seem certain that it was originally square and made
octagonal at some later date, thereby spoiling its originality.

The socketed round stone to be seen at the end of the pews near the west door are
remains of a choir and organ gallery at the west end. Access was gained via the tower
first floor and the doorway still to be seen. The squint was to allow the (Westover)
congregation in the south transcept to hear organ and choir more clearly. The gallery
was removed as the result of a Vestry Meeting resolution made 2nd November 1892. John Vicars was the Chairman.

The same meeting voted that the brass of the Knight on the floor of the aisle of the
south Transcept "be removed as nearly as possible to its original position near the east wall of the south aisle." This brass was on the mock tomb previously mentioned.

There are also some small 17lh century memorial brasses on the south wall of the Chancel. The most westerly ones commemorate Arthur Price, Rector of the Parish for 22 years, who died in 1638. They were erected by his wife. Jane. The small memorial near the Priest's door Is to Elizabeth of unknown family.

The tower, also 13th century, was destroyed in its upper parts in 1683. It was eventually rebuilt in 1752 - a tablet on the outside west wall commemorates this. It says, "I am risen from ye ruins of near 70 years. T.Hollis and J. Carford. Churchwardens." The tower supports one bell which is dated 1793.

Victorian prints of the church show the tower surmounted by a stubby spire, typical of other West Wight churches. The tower now has a flat leaded roof and a brass cock weather vane. The vane. removed during the last war because it reflected moonlight and might guide enemy bombers, was replaced immediately after the war.

The church plate is of little consequence except for a 17th century Chalice which is now held by the Carisbrooke Museum. There is also a coffin or joint stool which has been dated 1600. Unfortunately, it has been amateurishly repaired.

The church also owns a pretty, trellised patterned chair by Hepplewhite. It was probably brought to the church from Swainston for some special occasion. Its companions were probably destroyed by the firebomb which hit Swainston in 1940. Again, unfortunately, the chair is badly affected by woodworm. One other relic of interest is the Parish Bier which now rests in the tower. It is one of only three remaining on the Island.