All Saints
SERVICES ARE CURRENTLY SUSPENDED. THE CHURCH WILL BE OPEN ON TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS FOR PRIVATE PRAYER
All Saints Church is situated in the 'old village' area of Freshwater in the beautiful West Wight. History suggests that the presence of a Church on the site goes back to the 9th Century, but the church we see today is of Saxon origin and stands near the head of the tidal estuary of the River Yar just up the lane from The Causeway which crosses the Freshwater Way - the cycle route and footpath linking Yarmouth with Freshwater and Freshwater Bay.
The church has a regular Sunday service and provides a focal point for a number of community gatherings throughout the year. It is popular for Weddings and Baptisms and is closely linked to St Agnes Church in Freshwater Bay - the other church in the Freshwater Parish.
When Alfred, Lord Tennyson, moved to Freshwater with his family, they worshipped at All Saints church. Tennyson’s second son, Lionel, was born in Freshwater and christened at All Saints. Within the church are memorials to several of the Tennyson family, including Lionel, who died and was buried at sea in 1886.
Tennyson’s wife Emily survived her husband and is buried in the churchyard, with several other members of her family.
All Saints is one of the 4 Churches and 3 Parishes which make up the West Wight Church Community of 'The FYT Parishes' (along with St James, Yarmouth; St Agnes Church, Freshwater Bay and Christ Church in Totland Bay). The FYT Parishes, in turn, sit within the emerging West Wight Mission Community which stretches from Shorwell to Newtown and from Calbourne to Totland Bay.
The FYT Parishes Team Vicar is Rev'd Leisa Potter. Leisa is supported by a dedicated team of Readers and Lay Worship Leaders.