Queen Victoria's Church (St. Mildred's)

About

This is the church used by Queen Victoria when she was in residence at Osborne House.

The church is run by volunteers and there is a guide on duty in the church. 

Exhibition located within the Church and Church Centre:

There is a permanent exhibition of Royal and local memorabilia in the Church and Church Centre. This includes:

* Replica of Princess Beatrice's Wedding Dress.
* Royal Photographs.
* Pictures & historical details of many local landmarks.
* Pictures & architect's drawings of the 3 churches which have existed on this site.

Coffee shop:

In the Church Centre, there is a bright and spacious Coffee Shop offering a range of refreshments including:

* Fair Trade Tea and Coffee,
* Cold Drinks,
* Home made cakes,
* Cream Teas
* Gifts.

The exhibition and coffee shop are usually open 10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Thursday, 1st April to end of October. 

History of the Church:

Queen Victoria had it built...

She had worshipped in the old church, which dated from before the Domesday Book, and had  been restored by John Nash in 1804.

She wanted a new and more splendid church for her family, so in 1854 the Chancel area was re-built, and then in 1860/1 the remainder was re-built .

There are memorials to her in the form of a beautiful white marble reredos and a copper and oak pulpit.

Prince Albert designed it...

He worked with the Architect  to produce this  beautiful and distinct place of worship.

Princess Beatrice was married in the church and is now buried in it...

The royal wedding took place in 1885 when she married Prince Henry of Battenberg.

He sadly died in 1896, aged only 38, and in his memory Queen Victoria renamed the household area as the Battenberg Chapel. Prince Henry is buried there in a magnificent sarcophagus.

Princess Beatrice died in 1944 and was buried there with him in 1945.