St Michael's Church, Shalfleet

St Michael’s is a stunning Grade I-listed church with a tower that dates to the 11th century. The church is located at the heart of the village; opposite the pub, and next to the village hall and green. Inside the church, there is a column-shaped font from the 13th century and box pews from the 18th century.

This church was not dedicated to one of the many people revered as saints, but to the archangel MICHAEL. The name (from the Hebrew language) means "Who is like God?" He is often depicted - in paintings or as a statue - with a flaming sword, occasionally also a lance. Michael is - together with Raphael and Gabriel, and occasionally Uriel is also included - one of the three or four archangels who (according to human belief) occupy the highest rank in the heavenly hierarchy of angelic beings. Their common feast day in the calendar of saints is September 29th.