Situated on the outskirts of East Cowes, this church was founded by William Fitz Osborne in 1066, was dedicated in the

twelfth century to Mildred, a Saxon princess. It is here that Princess Beatrice and Prince Henry of Battenberg were married and is the resting place of the Battenbergs. The ground plan takes the form of a Latin cross and the building comprises a chancel, nave and north and south transepts. The unusual length of the chancel is due to the fact that the Osborne pews are located in it.

Within the grounds of this Church are buried two other very well remembered people. 'Uffa Fox' rememberd for his skills in Naval Architecture, one of his designs being the famous racing yacht 'The Flying Fifteen'. During Cowes Week, (An annual yachting event that takes place during the first week in August) Prince Philip often crewed with Uffa aboard the Flying Fifteen 'Coweslip'.

The other person is Samuel Saunders Co founder of 'Saunder & Roe' later to become 'The British Hoverctaft Corporation' and today known as GKN Westland Areospace. Without a doubt, both these early pioneers paved the way for the Island today to be recognized as world leaders in both Yachting and the Aerospace industry

Opposite the church are the picturesque Victoria and Albert Almshouses, erected by Queen Victoria in 1880.

I must just mention another not quite so famous couple married at this church 'Douglas & Rosemary Cox' David, Michael and Andrew our three sons were also christened here.