St. Mary & St. Rhadegund - Whitwell Whitwell is a village on the south coast of the Isle of Wight situated some two miles from Niton, three miles from Ventnor and eight miles from the county town of Newport. The area was once an agricultural community but over time has become a development, predominantly of bungalows, which are mostly populated by retired people or used as holiday homes. The current population numbers some 640 souls.

Through systematic fund raising and sponsorship approximately £400,000 has been spent on the church over the last four years. This includes extensive and award-winning stonework repairs, the installation of a kitchen, a disabled toilet facility and internal redecoration. The church is the only public building in the village that is still used for its original purpose and has the distinction of being two separate chapels. The first was constructed by the de Estur family of Gatcombe in the 12th century and was dedicated to St Rhadegund who is believed to have been their patron saint. The second and smaller chapel was built under the patronage of the lords of Stenbury, a century later and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Over time the church has undergone much reconstruction, especially during Victorian times with many additions and internal alteration. Further information is contained in the guidebook, produced for visitors to the church, which references the historic elements connected with the building.