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- Winterborne Tomson, Dorset (St Andrew's Church)
This tiny chapel, built of flint and stone, with a tiny weatherboarded bell turret, has barely been altered since it was built in Norman times. The inside is simple, bright and beautiful – with uneven limewashed walls and a flagged floor.
The early 18th century oak fittings were provided by William Wake, then Archbishop of Canterbury, whose family lived nearby. The silvery grey, box pews, the pulpit, the screen, the communion rails and matching table, the font cover and the west door all date from his refurbishment.
The wagon roof is unique in that it curves round the apse, with finely carved bosses where the oak ribs intersect.
It is hard to believe that, less than 100 years ago, the church was 'given over to donkeys, dogs, pigs and fowls' of the neighbouring farm. The church escaped total ruin in 1931 only when The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings sold a collection of Thomas Hardy manuscripts to pay for repairs.
Hardy was once an architect’s assistant in this part of Dorset, but this church does not seem to have featured in any of his novels. The restoration work was supervised by the architect A R Powys, Secretary to the Society. It is thanks to him that this lovely church has survived in such a wonderfully unspoilt condition. A plaque in the church commemorates Powys’ work
To locate this church on a map, click on the 'View on map' link that appears below the address information at the top of the page.
8 miles west of Wimborne Minster, off A31 at the end of a private road
Nearest railway station: Holton Heath (5.9 miles)
SY 885 974
01/05/12
Following on from the success of our Discover Wallpaintings project last year we are delighted to announce the launch of…
St Mary's Church, Tarrant Crawford, Dorset
Ghostly painted tales in a rural church
The Church (no dedication), Whitcombe, Dorset
A saint, a mermaid and a lost dedication
Kingston Lacey
National Trust property
Athlehampton House and Garden
Heritage site
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Click on images to view larger
The CCT is grateful to the Flickr group, Friends of the Churches Conservation Trust, for the images shown here. CCT is not responsible for the quality or content of images taken from Flickr.
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church and the CCT before you visit?
You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.
Cornwall, Devon & Dorset County Guide (PDF, 4.5mb)
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches CCT cares for in Cornwall, Devon & Dorset. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.
St Mary's Church, Tarrant Crawford, Dorset Ghostly painted tales in a rural church Tarrant Crawford, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 9HU
See church page
The Church (no dedication), Whitcombe, Dorset A saint, a mermaid and a lost dedication Whitcombe, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8NY
See church page
St Peter's Church, Winterborne Came, Dorset The quintessential country squire's church Winterborne Came, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8NT
See church page
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
All our Dorset churches are in CCT’s West region.
Dorset Historic Churches Trust
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
If the access information for this church is listed as 'Keyholder nearby', this means that the key is kept by one of our invaluable volunteer 'keyholders', who usually live just a short walk from the church and can give visitors the key; sometimes this is a nearby hotel, pub, library, art gallery or other venue. You will find instructions explaining how to get the key when you arrive at the church.
Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number of them have heating or running water meaning that they can be cold, and very rarely have toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor. We do apologise for any inconvenience the lack of facilities may cause.
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EC1A 9EE
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