Mason's Guide (1876) - Bonchurch

Bonchurch is the fashionable suburb of the town of Ventnor. It has for years past been and still is, the chosen home of several literary celebrities; amongst them we may mention the late Rev. W. Adams, author of"The Shadow of the Cross" (on whose tomb a raised iron cross has been placed so that the shadow may fall theron); the late Rev. James White, author of the"Eighteen Christian Centuries"; and the highly gifted John Sterling, of whom Carlyle has so feelingly written; the remains of these rest in the adjacent churchyard. Bonchurch is delightfully secluded and embowered with exuberant wood, but has of late years lost much of its retired rural beauty. Enchantingly lovely, however, it still remains, and its romantic features can never be effaced. It is dotted over with mansions and villa residences, to some of which extensive and magnificent grounds are attached. Access to these is seldom obtained by visitors, some thousands of whom visit the place during the summer. The mildness of the climate is apparent from the luxurious growth of the plants and shrubs which ornament the gardens and adorn the residences around, reaching in many instances to the dimensions of trees. The tourist should not quit Bonchurch without paying a visit to the"Pulpit Rock" (400 feet above the sea) so called from a wooden cross placed on its summit, where he will gain a view not easily forgotten. Here is a first-class hotel (Ribbands), which has been highly recommended as offering an admirable winter retreat to such as are indisposed to incur the trouble of housekeeping. The OLD CHURCH stands between the road and the sea, and is surrounded by a grove of venerable elms. It is a small, ancient structure of the Norman style, but now unused. A very pleasing building, which oft invites the pencil of the artist. Was probably erected in 1070-80. The NEW CHURCH which is in the early Norman style, ws erected in 1848, the foundation stone being laid by the Rev. W. Adams, July 24th, 1847. The interior is plain and the windows are of stained glass. The font is a tribute to the memory of the Rev. W. Adams. The church-yard is one of great beauty, and has few rivals. Well designed schools are adjoining.

[Description(s) from Mason's Guide to the Isle of Wight (1876)]