Godshill is an ancient village west of Shanklin, with a history going back to the Saxon period. Popular attractions near Godshill include Appuldurcombe House, a model village, two inns, and the 14th-century parish church. Thatched cottages abound, and enjoying a stroll around Godshill is like stepping back in time.
History
The story of Godshill dates to at least the middle of the 10th century and probably earlier. The village was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, and the parish church of All Saints was already standing at that time.
In 1071 the Norman lord William FitzOsbern gave Godshill's church to the Abbey of Lire, or Lyre, which he had established. The manor of Godshill is not mentioned in the Domesday Book, probably because it was included in the possessions of Lire.
Then in 1090, Richard de Redvers gave the Manor of Appuldurcombe, which included much of Godshill parish, to the Abbey of Montebourg in Normandy. It was held by Carisbrooke Priory, another of Lire's possessions, and passed down through holders of the Carisbrooke estates after the priory was suppressed at the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
All Saints Church
The church we see today is the fourth upon this site and dates largely to the 14th century. It seems likely that the church upon which the church stands was a site of pagan worship long before the conversion of the island to Christianity. Historical highlights include a 15th-century wall painting of a Lily Cross. This was painted over during the Reformation and has only recently been rediscovered.
The Godshill Legend
An ancient story is attached to All Saints Church. According to the legend, the first church builders tried to erect their place of worship at the foot of the hill. When the labourers arrived for work each day, they found that their stones had mysteriously been moved to the top of the hill.
This happened three days in a row, and on the third day the workmen gave in and decided that God wanted the church at the top of the hill, so they built it in its present location. This legend is supposed to give the village its name of God's hill (Godshill).
Thatched Cottages
The church is surrounded by picturesque thatched cottages dating as far back as the 15th century. The view of the church tower rising above the cluster of old cottages is one of the Isle of Wight's most iconic scenes and has appeared in innumerable calendars and postcards over the decades.
On Church Hollow is 'The Batswing', a 16th-century thatched cottage converted into a tea room and gift shop.
Godshill Model Village
Most visitors come to Godshill to enjoy the model village, which opened in 1952. The village depicts Godshill and Shanklin Old Village at a one-tenth scale. It is so detailed that it includes a scale model of the model village!
Aside from the models themselves, the site acts as a partner garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, with over 3,000 shrubs and conifers spread over two acres, with sculpted trees inspired by Japanese gardening traditions.
Appuldurcombe House
Appuldurcombe is an 18th-century Baroque house set in landscape gardens designed by Capability Brown. Appuldurcombe was built by Sir Robert Worsley on the site of a Tudor manor house, itself built on the site of a medieval monastery suppressed by Henry VIII.
Appuldurcombe was heavily damaged during WWII and has slowly been restored by English Heritage into something approaching its former glory. The house is an atmospheric delight and the gardens are well worth exploring.
Visiting
As an avid photographer and fan of medieval churches, I was keen to visit Godshill to photograph the iconic view of the church and the surrounding thatched cottages.
All I can say is that it was well worth the trip! After indulging my passion for photography, I took time to explore the rest of the village and was very glad that I had. Godshill is a delight, with a wealth of picturesque buildings - many of them catering to the tourist trade, it must be said.
Thankfully, there is adequate visitor parking (free as of this writing), with a council car park on High Street (Shanklin Road). There is also parking at the Old Smithy.
More Photos
About Godshill
Address: A3020,
Godshill,
Isle of Wight,
England, PO38 3HJ
Attraction Type: Village
Location: On the A3020 west of Shanklin. There is free council parking on High Street.
Website: Godshill
Location
map
OS: SZ526819
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
Find other attractions tagged with:
10th century (Time Period) - 11th century (Time Period) - 14th century (Time Period) - 15th century (Time Period) - 18th century (Time Period) - Capability Brown (Person) - Domesday Book (Historical Reference) -
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Godshill, All Saints Church - 0.1 miles (Historic Church) 
Appuldurcombe House - 1.4 miles (Historic House) 
Gatcombe, St Olave's Church - 2.8 miles (Historic Church)
Arreton Manor - 3 miles (Historic Building)
Newport Roman Villa - 3 miles (Roman Site)
Arreton, St George's Church - 3 miles (Historic Church)
The Shipwreck Centre & Maritime Museum - 3 miles (Museum) 
Ventnor Botanic Garden - 3.4 miles (Garden) 
