The Churches of Britain and Ireland

  Dorset

Dorset on Wikipedia.

Dorset Historic Churches.


Abbotsbury, St. Nicholas. Another view, an ancient carved stone figure in the porch (the listing says it's of an abbot, of circa 1200), another in the exterior wall (St. Nicholas?), two of the interior - 1, 2, the altar and the font. SY 5777 8521. All © Peter Morgan (2017). An old postcard view, from Steve Bulman's Collection. Link. Grade I listed. For other listed features see here. St. Catherine's Chapel (originally part of the abbey), and the interior. SY 5725 8483. Both © Peter Morgan (2017). Link. The former Congregational Church. SY 5773 8541. © Dennis Harper (2011). Older maps show that a Primitive Methodist Chapel once stood to the north of Back Street, at SY 5764 8543. It pre-dated a map of 1889, and according to this source it dated from 1799 as Congregational. After its closure as a church in 1925 it was eventually used for storage, and was severely damaged in a fire. Reportedly, the remains survive, but its site hasn't been seen by the Streetview van. Its replacement in 1925 was the now-demolished Methodist Church on West Street. Its closure is given here (where there is a photo) as 1984, with demolition following in 1985. It also describes as having stood where the garage is in this 2021 Streetview. SY 5745 8530.
Affpuddle, St. Lawrence. SY 8054 9371. © Bill McKenzie. Another view, © June Norris. Link. Grade I listed. For other listed features see here.
Alderholt, St. James, some distance from the village. Another view. As Roger points out, the stepped gable is very unusual outside of Scotland, and in this case the 12 steps are probably symbolic of the apostles. SU 1048 1260. © Roger Hopkins. Link. Grade II listed, wherein it's dated to 1849, with a later chancel. Alderholt Chapel on Hillbury Road, as seen by Streetview in 2023. The leftmost buildings are a relatively recent addition, as a Streetview from 2009 shows. SU 1235 1302. Link. Older O.S. maps show an Independent Chapel on Station Road at SU 1226 1302. It's presumably this chapel which can be seen in a Francis Frith photo here, where it's given as Congregational. The bungalow on its site was seen by Streetview in 2023.
Almer, St. Mary. SY 9132 9894. © Mike Rice. Another view, from an old postcard in Reg Dosell's Collection. Another view, and an interior view, both © Roger Hopkins. Roger rates this C12 church very highly. Link. Grade I listed. A churchyard cross and tomb are also listed here.
Alton Pancras, St. Pancras. Interior view. ST 6988 0241. Both © Marion Hall. Link.
Grade II* listed. For related listed features see here.
Ashmore, St. Nicholas, and its interior. ST 9114 1778. Both
© Chris Kippin (2022). Link. Grade II listed. For other listed features associated with the church, see here. The village has a former Methodist Chapel (originally Wesleyan, of 1855) on  High Street, now in residential use. ST 9120 1776. © Chris Kippin (2022). Grade II listed. What appears to be another former Chapel stands on Green Lane. It has a date-stone for 1904. A Streetview from 2011 shows it before the wall was built, and reveals that the arched windows aren't original. It may have been the Sunday school shown on a map of 1963. But was it ever a chapel? ST 9139 1769. © Chris Kippin (2022).
Athelhampton, St. Edward King and Martyr (Orthodox, formerly St. John, Anglican). SY 7711 9414. © June Norris. Link. Grade II listed, wherein it's dated to 1861-2. O.S. maps indicate the position of its medieval predecessor at SY 7702 9422, within the grounds of Athelhampton Hall.

Beaminster, St. Mary. ST 4789 0125. © Steve Bulman (2010). The church website calls it St. Mary of the Annunciation. Grade I listed. For related listed features see here. The former Congregational Church on Whitcombe Road, now the town museum. Its grade II listing dates it to 1749, enlarged in 1825, and the museum website says it was "Converted in 1990". ST 4816 0116. © Steve Bulman (2010). St. John (R.C.) on Shortmoor. ST 4820 0174. © Steve Bulman (2010). The church website history page dates its opening to 1967, and says that prior to this, services were held in a room in the Red Lion (2023 Streetview) on North Street and Prout Hill. ST 4807 0130. Immediately west of St. John is the former Holy Trinity (2011 Streetview). Its Wikipedia entry (which has an old photo) dates it to 1849-51, made redundant in 1978. ST 4815 0173. Older maps show Centenary Chapel (Wes. Meth.) on Fleet Street at ST 4808 0148. Its grade II listing dates it to the mid-19th century, and it was still active into the second half of the 20th. It was seen by Streetview in 2023.
Belchalwell, St. Aldhelm. ST 7924 0980.
© Chris Kippin (2022). Link. Grade II* listed. A table tomb in the churchyard is listed as grade II. Less than a mile to the S.S.E. at Belchalwell Street is a former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel (2023 Streetview). Pre-dating a map of 1887 it had gone out of use no later than 1957. ST 9550 0903.
Bere Regis, St. John the Baptist. SY 8474 9476. © Bill Henderson. Another view, the interior, and a charming C15 roof carving. The story of the Turberville family, commemorated in the Turberville window, is famous as the inspiration for Hardy's "Tess of the D'Urbervilles". The wealthy Turberville family lived in Bere Regis. All © Roger Hopkins. Another view, and a close up of the ceiling, both
© Christopher Skottowe (1978). Link. Grade I listed. The war memorial in the churchyard is listed at grade II. A Congregational Chapel stands on Butt Lane at SY 8458 9509. A map of 1887 shows a Mission Hall on the same site - this is possibly unrelated, as the church website history dates the church to 1893, when an existing schoolroom was converted. It was seen by Streetview in 2010. Link. The source just mentioned also discusses Drax Hall as an earlier chapel. It still stands on North Street, used as the village hall, and was seen by Streetview in 2023. The village also had a Methodist Chapel, marked on older maps as Wesleyan. The National Archives reference documents pertaining to it for the years 1864-1964. A house now stands on the site, seen here by Streetview in 2010. SY 8468 9482.
Bettiscombe, St. Stephen. SY 3991 9998. © June Norris. Link. Grade II listed.
Bishop's Caundle, St. Peter and St. Paul, or no dedication, according to source consulted. ST 6962 1316. © June Norris. Link. Grade I listed. A table tomb in the churchyard is also listed, as grade II. Older O.S. maps show a Primitive Methodist Chapel a little way east of the village at ST 7002 1307, pre-dating the 1887 map. In a 2015 Streetview, the chapel would have stood beside the nearer end of the house extending to the roadside. Does anything of it survive? It was succeeded in 1908 by a new chapel built a short distance away on the other side of the road. It survives and was seen by Streetview in 2009. ST 6997 1308. Link includes a comment that it was closed (presumably as Methodist) in 1983.
Blackdown, Holy Trinity. ST 3963 0308. © Julie Baker. Link says it was consecrated in 1840.
Blandford Forum.
Blandford St. Mary, St. Mary. ST 8916 0527. © June Norris. Link. Grade II* listed.
Boscombe, Bournemouth - see the Bournemouth page.
Bothenhampton, Holy Trinity New Church. SY 4703 9194. From an old postcard in Reg Dosell's Collection. Grade II* listed - dates it to 1887-9. The Old Church, also dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. Another view, two interior views - 1, 2, and the font. SY 4753 9176. All © Dennis Harper (2011). Grade I listed. For related listed features see here. Link (for both churches).
Bournemouth.
Bradford Abbas, St. Mary. A detail from the pulpit. ST 5874 1428. Both © Gene Hawkins. Link. Grade I listed. Related listed features can be seen here. A map revised in 1927 shows a Wes. Meth. Church. on North Street at ST 5893 1453. It shows as still active on a map of 1960. The house on the site (is it the converted chapel?) was seen by Streetview in 2009.
Branksome, Poole - see the Poole page.
Bridport.
Broadoak, St. Paul on Broadoak Lane. Built as a chapel-of-ease to Symondsbury in 1865-6, to the designs of Thomas Talbot Bury. SY 4389 9629.
© Richard Roberts (2016). Link. Grade II listed.
Broadwindsor, St. John the Baptist. ST 4378 0265. © June Norris. Link. Grade II* listed. Three table tombs also share a grade II listing. Older O.S. maps show a Congregational Chapel in the village, on West Street at ST 4360 0254. It seems to be included on a map of 1888, though it isn't labelled, and it seems to have gone out of use in the middle of the 20th century. It hasn't survived
- in a 2023 Streetview, what seems to be its Sunday School shows at the right - the chapel was immediately to its left, a little further back from the road. It can be seen in a photo from 1902 here, just below the centre.
Brownsea Island, St. Mary. SZ 0282 8777. © Dave Westrap. Another view, interior view, and the unusual tomb (grade II listed) of George Cavendish-Bentinck in the graveyard. A medieval Italian well-head, the 19th century owner of the island brought it back to adorn his final resting place. All © Roger Hopkins. Another view, interior, and finely-executed tomb, all © Peter Morgan (2017). Link. Grade II* listed.
Bryanston, St. Martin, dating from 1898. Standing in the grounds of Bryanston Public School, it was constructed using stone from the demolished Bryanstone House (1778). Interior view. The roof is constructed from the ballroom floor of the House. ST 8748 0697. All © Roger Hopkins.
 Link. Grade II listed. What is now the Portman Chapel was the parish church before St. Martin was built, and was also known as St. Martin's. ST 8746 0706. © Chris Kippin (2022). Link (a good history, with interior photos). Grade I listed.
Buckland Newton, Church of the Holy Rood. Interior view. ST 6876 0527. Both © Marion Hall. Link. Grade I listed. The war memorial and numerous tombs are also listed here. East of the village is a former Primitive Methodist Chapel, now The Old Chapel Stores, seen by Streetview in 2023. It pre-dates a map of 1887, and, according to this source, was closed in 1942. ST 6937 0508.
Burton, Christchurch - see the Christchurch page.
Burton Bradstock, St. Mary the Virgin. Two further views - 1, 2, interior view, altar, and the font. All © Dennis Harper (2011). Link. Grade I listed. For related listed features see here. The former Wesleyan Chapel (1825) now serves as the library. © Dennis Harper (2011). Grade II listed.

Castleton, St. Mary Magdalene. ST 6463 1681. © Andrew Ross (2018). Link. The adjacent Sherborne Castle used to have a Chapel, marked on O.S. maps at ST 6490 1685. Its site hasn't been seen by Streetview.
Cattistock, St. Peter and St. Paul. SY 5914 9953. From an old postcard in Paul E. Barnett's Collection. Link. Grade I listed. For related listed features see here. The village also has a former Primitive Methodist Chapel, on The Square, at SY 5914 9966. It's dated here to 1870, remaining in active use to 1971 at least, but has since been converted to residential use. It was seen by Streetview in 2023.
Cerne Abbas, St. Mary, as seen by Streetview in 2023. The interior, from an old postcard in Paul E. Barnett's Collection. Link. Grade I listed. There used to be a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel on Long Street, at ST 6660 0115. According to this source (where there is a photo) it dates from 1882-1919, and was later used as a Salvation Army Barracks (source). It was demolished at some point and public toilets built on the site, seen by Streetview in 2023. There is also a former Congregational/U.R.C. Chapel (2023 Streetview), on Abbey Street. This page refers to records for the church for the years 1762-1981. ST 6653 0124. There are also several remains of Cerne Benedictine Abbey, just N.E. of the village. See its Wikipedia article for more details and photos, and here for listing details. There's nothing above ground of the Abbey Church, but recent excavations have located it - see here.
Chalbury, All Saints. SU 0185 0684. © June Norris. Link. Grade I listed. A monument in the churchyard is also listed, as grade II.
Charlton Marshall, St. Mary the Virgin. ST 9003 0407. © June Norris. Link. Grade I listed. Several churchyard monuments are also listed here. The village also had a Primitive Methodist Chapel, on The Close at ST 9012 0385. A bungalow stands on its site, seen by Streetview in 2023. It pre-dated a map of 1887, and this source says it was closed by 1901. It also mentions the congregation later acquiring a former Congregational Chapel on Gravel Lane - this is shown on O.S. maps as a Baptist Chapel (General) on Gravel Lane on a map of 1887 at ST 8993 0431, and on  map of 1930 as Meth. Ch. It has survived, and was seen (though not well) by Streetview in 2023. The source already given has a better photo.
Charminster, St. Mary the Virgin. SY 6792 9270. Another view. Both © Les Needham. Link. Grade I listed. The 1888 O.S. map marks a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel on North Street, at SY 6781 9316. Aerial views suggest it may have survived, but the building on the site is blurred out on the only available Streetview. It had been closed no later than 1957. I haven't been able to find a photo of it. There was also a United Free Methodist Chapel on East Hill at SY 6805 9263. The converted chapel is now called Wesley Cottage, and was seen by Streetview in 2021. Some O.S. maps show Chapel (Site of) at Wolfeton House (south of the village) at SY 6787 9216. The site hasn't been seen by Streetview.
Charmouth, St. Andrew
on The Street. Although of medieval origin, it was completely re-built in 1836 by Charles Fowler. SY 3643 9359. © Graeme Harvey. Interior view, © Richard Roberts (2016). Link. Grade II listed. Churchyard wall, gates and tombs are also listed here. U.R.C. on The Street. Founded as Congregational in 1689, the present chapel is of 1815. SY 3663 9364. © Richard Roberts (2016). Grade II listed. Mortuary Chapel in Charmouth Cemetery, located at SY 3536 9411. It pre-dates the OS map of 1889. © Richard Roberts (2016). Google Streetview marks Charmouth Christian Fellowship as meeting at The Elms on St. Andrew's Drive. Its Facebook page says that the fellowship "no longer exists". The Elms was seen (from The Street) by Streetview in 2023. SY 3639 9361. A 2001 Ship of Fools entry is for Lighthouse Christian Fellowship, meeting in the village hall, which is on Wesley Close. There is a photo, but here is a more recent Streetview, from 2023.
Chettle, St. Mary. ST 9516 1329. © Chris Kippin (2019). Link. Grade II* listed. Possible former church? Howard Richter has been examining old maps to determine something of the history of this building, and can find no evidence of religious use. ST 9518 1338. © Chris Kippin (2019).

Chideock, St. Giles. SY 4216 9287. © Graeme Harvey. Two further views - 1, 2, two interior views - 1, 2, and the font, all © Dennis Harper (2011). Link. Grade I listed. Churchyard walls and five tombs are also listed here. The Church of Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs, and St. Ignatius (R.C., 1872) on North Road. Built by Charles Weld in the grounds of Chideock Manor. Interior view. SY 4203 9345. Both © Richard Roberts (2016). Link. Grade II* listed. Also by Charles Weld, the Catholic Cemetery Memorial Chapel (1852), aka Weld Memorial Chapel, on North Road. SY 4216 9291. © Richard Roberts (2016). Grade II* listed.
Child Okeford, St. Nicholas. ST 8355 1275. © June Norris. An old postcard view (on which it is spelled Childe Okeford) from Reg Dosell's Collection. Link. Grade II* listed. Chapel House (2023 Streetview) is a former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. A map of 1887 suggests that it had been built by then, but it isn't labelled. It was still active into the second half of the last century. ST 8326 1304. Link. An old photo of it can be seen here. The same source also mentions a demolished Plymouth Brethren Chapel, and there are photos of it. It locates it as having stood "opposite Pine Walk", but I've been unable to locate this, and it doesn't seem to be shown on any of the available maps. Can you pinpoint where it stood?
Chiswell - see Portland.
Christchurch
.
Colehill,
St. Michael and All Angels. Three more views - 1, 2, 3. SU 0248 0122. All © Karel Kuča (2011). Link. Grade II* listed, wherein it's dated to 1893-5. The Methodist Church on Lonnen Road, as seen by Streetview in 2011. SU 0275 0122. Link.
Compton Abbas, St. Mary the Virgin. See also East Compton for St. Mary's predecessor. ST 8691 1847. © June Norris.
Link. Grade II listed - dates  it to 1868. The village also has a former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel (2009 Streetview), at ST 8700 1857. The National Archives references documents pertaining to the chapel for the years 1864-1967.
Corfe Castle, St. Edward King and Martyr. SY 9606 8205. © Bill McKenzie. Another view, © Malcolm Matthews. A view of the church from the castle, and an interior view, both © Roger Hopkins. The font, © Graeme Harvey (2011).
Link. Grade II* listed. A churchyard monument is also listed, as grade II. Chapel on the Green (aka Corfe Castle Evangelical Congregational Church) on East Street. It stands behind other buildings so that it it barely seen by Streetview, but the church website has a photo from the rear. Older maps (it pre-dates one of 1888) label it as Congregational. SY 9614 8194. The village also has a former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, further south at SY 9622 8169. It too is not well see by Streetview (here, in 2014), but a better photo can be found here. It also pre-dates the 1888 map, and was still active at least into the 1950's.
Corfe Mullen, St. Hubert. SY 9767 9834. © June Norris.
Link. Grade II* listed. A churchyard cross is also listed, as grade II.
Cranborne, St. Mary and St. Bartholomew. Another view, and the interior, a splendid wall-painting, and the Tregonwell window. SU 0545 1325. All © Roger Hopkins. Link. Grade I listed. According to the village Wikipedia entry, the church was originally the Abbey Church of Cranborne Benedictine Abbey or Priory, the site of which is marked on O.S. maps just a few yards south of the church at SU 0546 1321. Link. The village also has a former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, off Salisbury Street, at SU 0542 1334. Streetview has only been able to see a sliver of the building (in 2009). There is a slightly better photo here, where it's dated to 1847-1967. Just a little way further north is a former Primitive Methodist Chapel. Like the other chapel, the P.M. chapel is difficult to see from the road (2023 Streetview). This source dates the building to 1828, originally as Rehoboth Wesleyan until 1848, when the P.M's took it over. It may have been re-named as Ebenezer - see the source for a discussion on this. SU 0540 1344.

Dean, the former Primitive Methodist Chapel, as seen by Streetview in 2021. A P.M. Chapel shows here on a map of 1887, though it was a smaller building than shown on later maps. It had gone out of use no later than 1957, and is reported here as being still active in 1940. ST 9772 1592. 
Dewlish
, All Saints. Another view, and the interior. SY 7755 9818. All © Chris Kippin (2022). Link. Grade II* listed. For listed monuments in the churchyard, see here. The former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel on Middle Street. It pre-dates a map of 1887 - according to this source it was re-built in 1859, a fire having destroyed its 1843 predecessor. SY 7768 9836. © Chris Kippin (2022).

Dorchester.
Dottery, St. Saviour (CoE, 1882) on Pymore Lane. Richard advises that this is the last tin tabernacle in regular use in Dorset. SY  4582 9517. © Richard Roberts (2016). Link.
Durweston, St. Nicholas. ST 8587 0852. © June Norris. Another view, © Roger Hopkins. Link. The former Primitive Methodist Chapel. It pre-dates a map of 1901, though possibly the same building (unlabelled) is marked on a map of 1887. ST 8591 0870.
© Chris Kippin (2020). Link says it may have been closed in the 1960's.

East Compton, the remains of St. Mary Old Church. Another view. Dating from the 15th century, the church was abandoned in the mid 19th, the congregation moving to the then new church of St. Mary at Compton Abbas. Much of the old building's fabric was re-used in the new church, leaving the tower, and a 13th century preaching cross in the graveyard. ST 8756 1880. Both © Roger Hopkins (2010). Grade I listed.
East Lulworth, St. Mary (R.C., 1786), N.W. of Lulworth Castle. SY 8525 8227. © Roger Hopkins. Grade I listed. To the south of the castle is St. Andrew (2009 Streetview). SY 8537 8208. Link. Grade II* listed. About a mile S.S.E. of the castle is a farm labelled on O.S. maps as Monastery Farm. What if anything remains of any monastic buildings is unclear - it hasn't been seen by Streetview, and I haven't been able to find any useful photos. Its story can be read here. SY 8613 8101.
East Orchard
, the former St. Thomas of 1859, and its interior. It's currently undergoing conversion to residential use. A news story from 2023 says it had been closed since 2018. ST 8334 1793. Both © Chris Kippin (2024). Grade II listed. Less than half a mile south is a former Primitive Methodist Chapel, at ST 8313 1750. It was seen by Streetview in 2009 - it has a date-stone, but it's unreadable. Old maps show it to have been built between 1886 and 1900. Link.
East Stoke, the former St. Mary, now residential. SY 8725 8705. © Graeme Harvey (2011). Grade II listed - dates it to 1828. It mentions that the font is from "Old Church". This was also St. Mary, and its scant remains stand to the S.W. by the river, at SY 8677 8675. It hasn't been seen by Streetview, but a photo can be seen here (scroll down). Grade II listed.
East Stour
, Christ Church. The interior and the font. ST 7987 2284. All © Chris Kippin (2024). Link. Grade II listed, wherein it's dated to 1842, and the font is said to be of the 12th century. The history page says that it stands near the site of a medieval predecessor (there is an illustration of it), demolished in 1839. I haven't been able to establish with certainty exactly where it stood. Older O.S. maps show Baptist and Methodist chapels in the village. The Methodist (originally Wesleyan) is on Back Street at ST 8039 2348. It survives, and was seen by Streetview in 2023. The Baptist Chapel stood at ST 8020 2333, also on Back Street. Its site was seen by Streetview in 2021 - could the low brick wall be from the chapel?
Easton - see Portland.
Enmore Green, Shaftesbury - see the Shaftesbury page.
Eype, St. Peter (1863-5) on Mount Lane. SY 4512 9178. © Richard Roberts (2016). Link.

Farnham, St. Laurence. ST 9579 1505. © Chris Kippin (2022). Link. Grade II* listed. Near the northern end of the village is a former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel (2009 Streetview). It pre-dated a map of 1887 and shows as still active on another of 1960. ST 9567 1540.
Fifehead Magdalen, St. Mary Magdalen. The photo is stitched together from several images, to avoid trees. ST 7828 2160. © Martin Richter (2012). Link. Grade II listed. For listed tombs, and the churchyard cross, see here. A former Baptist Chapel (2023 Streetview) stands a little way north of the village, at ST 7788 2182. A map of 1886 labels it as Baptist Chapel (General) - it had gone out of use by the mid-20th century.
Fontmell Magna, St. Andrew. ST 8654 1699. © June Norris. Another view, interior view, and the St. George window. All © Roger Hopkins. An old postcard view, from
Reg Dosell's Collection. Three more views of the interior - 1, 2, 3, the carved stone pulpit, and two fonts, one Norman, the other Victorian, all © Chris Stafford (2015). Link. Grade II* listed. A churchyard monument is separately listed as grade II. A former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel stands on Lurmer Street at ST 8666 1707. It's dated here to 1797, and has a later schoolroom attached at the roadside. It's currently in use as a yoga venue. © Chris Kippin (2024). Link. Grade II listed.
Fordington - see the Dorchester page.
Fortuneswell - see Portland.
Frampton, St. Mary. SY 6270 9498. © Graeme Harvey. Link. Grade I listed. Two monuments are also listed here. O.S. maps show, just south of the village, Frampton Court On Site of Benedictine Priory. Frampton Court has been demolished (in 1932, according to Wikipedia). SY 6261 9465 (for the house). Link.

Gillingham, St. Mary the Virgin, much re-built in the 19th and 20th centuries. ST 8064 2659. © Andrew Ross. Link. Grade I listed. Three churchyard tombs have their own listings here. The Methodist Church on High Street and Barnaby Mead. Older maps label it as Wesleyan. As of 2025, Google Streetmap says this is "permanently closed". News story about its closure here. ST 8083 2652. © Andrew Ross. The Baptist Church on Newbury, as seen by Streetview in 2018. ST 8121 2630. Link. A Primitive Methodist Chapel shows on the 25" O.S. map of 1901, on Queen Street and Chapel Mews, at ST 8066 2686. It's dated 1876 and survived as a place of worship into the latter half of the last century. This source, which reports that it had been closed by 1994, also mentions a predecessor of 1838 on Turners Lane. It doesn't betray any signs of having been a chapel - 2023 Streetview. ST 8056 2669. St. Benedict (R.C.) on Cemetery Road, as seen by Streetview in 2023. ST 8042 2681. Link. Just inside the adjacent entrance to the cemetery is a Mortuary Chapel (2011 Streetview) at ST 8039 2684. Gillingham Community Church on High Street (2023 Streetview). ST 8090 2648. Link.
Grove - see Portland.
Gussage All Saints, All Saints. ST 9985 1083.
© Chris Kippin (2019). Link. Grade I listed.
Gussage St. Andrew, St. Andrew. Another view and the interior (including font) taken through a window. ST 9761 1426.
All © Chris Stafford (2015). Link. Grade I listed.
Gussage St. Michael, St. Michael. ST 9858 1133.
© Chris Kippin (2019). Link. Grade I listed. The former St. Michael Methodist Chapel has a date-stone for 1907, when it was built as Wesleyan. Its closure is given here as 1973. There was an earlier smaller chapel on the site, at least as far back as 1887, when it shows on a map of that vintage. ST 9861 1130. © Chris Kippin (2019).

Hammoon, St. Paul. ST 8179 1458. © Chris Kippin (2022). Link. Grade I listed. For the listed cross base and monument in the churchyard, see here.
Hanford, St. Michael and All Angels, which now serves as a school chapel. ST 8456 1118. © Chris Kippin (2022). Grade II* listed.
Hartgrove, a former Methodist Chapel, which pre-dates a map of 1886, as Wesleyan. It's dated here to 1881, closing in the mid-1970's, and the further building in the photo is its predecessor, of 1826. ST 8351 1824. © Chris Kippin (2024). O.S. maps mark Church (Site of) at ST 8420 1822. I think it's the predecessor of the St. Thomas at East Orchard mentioned here, built in 1859, and the Hartgrove church subsequently demolished. Its site can't be seen by Streetview, but the road to it can be seen here in 2011.
Highcliffe, St. Mark. From an old postcard in Geoff Watt's Collection. I think this is the Highcliffe in Dorset, though the building has been altered and extended since the postcard was produced. Compare with the photo here. Assuming this is the correct identification, here are the usual other details. 2023 Streetview. SZ 2056 9352. Link. Grade II listed, wherein it's dated to 1843-4. Holy Redeemer Church on Kilmington Way, as seen by Streetview in 2023. SZ 2071 9365. Link. Highcliffe Methodist Church (2023 Streetview) on Lymington Road. SZ 2135 9358. Link. Highcliffe Community Church meets in Greystones Hall off Waterford Road. The Streetview pin indicates the blue roofed building seen in a 2023 Streetview. SZ 2168 9342. Link. Walkford U.R.C. stands on Ringwood Road at SZ 2127 9463, and was seen by Streetview in 2023. Older maps label it as Cranemoor Chapel (Independent). It has evidently closed, as it was being offered for sale on an undated webpage. Its grade II listing calls it Cranemoor U.R.C., and dates it to the early 19th century.
Hilfield, St. Nicholas. The church has many superb bench-ends, of which here are three - 1, 2, 3. ST 6351 0510. All
© Christopher Skottowe (1978). Link. Grade II* listed. A little way south is Hilfield Friary, (Society of St. Francis). It's not well seen by Streetview (site entrance seen in 2023) - but a photo can be seen on the Friary website. Old maps show that the core of the complex was a farm. ST 6308 0445.
Hinton Martell, St. John the Evangelist. SU 0141 0618. © June Norris. Link. Grade II listed - dates it to 1870. This source says that there was a predecessor which burned down in 1868. The churchyard war memorial is also listed, as grade II.
Hinton St. Mary, St. Peter (O). The interior, and the font. ST 7868 1610. All © Chris Kippin (2024). Link. Grade II* listed. For the three listed table tombs in the churchyard, see here. The 1886 O.S. map shows a Primitive Methodist Chapel (2023 Streetview) on Marnhull Road at ST 7836 1625. It shows as still active on a map of 1949, but not on one of 1958. Link has a comment saying that "an arched chapel window" survives in the rear wall.
Holnest, Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (O). Interior view. ST 6562 0982. Both © Marion Hall. Link. Grade I listed.
Horton, St. Wolfrida - an interior view from an old postcard in Judy Flynn's Collection, previously in the Unknown section, and identified by Simon Davies. SU 0301 0745. The exterior is not well seen by Streetview,  but the church website has a good one, and there are more on its grade I listing. A little way to the N.E., at Haythorn, there is or was a Primitive Methodist Chapel, at SU 0372 0775. It pre-dated a map of 1887 and had gone out of use by 1957. Whether the building seen by Streetview in 2023 is the former chapel, or a later build on the same site, is unclear.

Ibberton, St. Eustace. ST 7894 0757. © Chris Kippin (2022). Link. Grade II* listed. About half a mile to the N.N.W. stands a (former?) Methodist Chapel. Originally Primitive Methodist, and dated here to 1869, it was seen by Streetview in 2011. ST 7856 0834. The former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. Its date-stone, of which there is a photo here, is for 1884. ST 7889 0772. © Chris Kippin (2022).
Iwerne Courtney (aka Shroton), St. Mary. ST 8599 1242. © June Norris. Link. Grade I listed - has several photos. Two churchyard monuments are also listed here. The village also has a former Primitive Methodist Chapel (2023 Streetview), on The Cor at ST 8593 1300. It's dated here to 1896, closing between 1988 and 2009.
Iwerne Minster, St. Mary. ST 8684 1446. © June Norris. Another view, from an old postcard in Reg Dosell's Collection. Link. Grade I listed. The churchyard wall is also listed, as grade II. The former Ebenezer Baptist Chapel on Shute Lane, as seen by Streetview in 2009. The building is shown but not labelled on a map of 1887. This link has a photo of its date-stone, dating it to 1810, enlarged 1860. ST 8668 1436.  The nearby former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel (2023 Streetview) is dated 1879. ST 8664 1433. Link says it was sold in 1980.
Iwerne Stepleton - see Stepleton, below.

Kingston, St. James. SY 9556 7955. © Bill McKenzie. Link. Grade I listed, wherein it's dated to circa 1880. It replaced an earlier St. James (2011 Streetview) which still stands, converted to residential use, at the eastern end of the village. SY 9583 7960. Grade II listed - dates it to 1833. For related listed features see here. Less than half a mile north of the village on Kingston Hill is a former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel (2014 Streetview). SY 9587 8010. It's dated here to 1861-1938.
Knowlton, the ruined church. SU 0239 1028. © Bill McKenzie. Three additional views - 1, 2, 3, all
© Chris Stafford (2015). Link. Grade II* listed - say
s "abandoned in late C18".

Langton Herring, St. Peter. Another view, two interior views - 1, 2, the altar and font. SY 6144 8246. All © Dennis Harper (2011). Link. Grade II listed.
Langton Long, or Langton Long Blandford, All Saints. This source dates it to 1861, replacing a church of circa 17
40, which "appears to have incorporated some part of a mediaeval structure". ST 8982 0592. © June Norris. Another view, © Roger Hopkins. Link. Grade II listed. Langton Matravers, St. George. SY 9982 7888. © Bill McKenzie. Link includes an interior photo. Grade II listed. A converted Wesleyan Methodist Chapel (2019 Streetview) stands a little way west of St. George, at SY 9952 7876. This source dates it to 1875, replacing an earlier chapel of 1842. A sale notice also mentions Baptist and Independent Chapels, but I haven't been able to locate these.
Littlebredy, St. Michael and All Angels. Another view, interior view, altar and font. SY 5877 8903. All © Dennis Harper (2011). Link. Grade II* listed. The churchyard war memorial is also listed, as grade II.
Litton Cheney, St. Mary. Interior view, and the font. SY 5517 9073. All © Dennis Harper (2011). Link. Grade I listed. The war memorial and several monuments are also listed here. Older O.S. maps show a Primitive Methodist Chapel (2009 Streetview) on Main Street, at SY 5502 9060. It's dated here to 1875, closed no later than 1912.
Loders, St. Mary Magdalene. Cris Tyler was trying to identify a church for a friend, which was thought might possibly in the Leeds area. Phil Draper made the identification. SY 4912 9427. Link. Grade I listed. For related listed features see here. Uploders Methodist Church, as seen by Streetview in 2023. It's labelled on older maps as Wesleyan, and is dated 1827. SY 5037 9379. Link.
Long Bredy, St. Peter, in a remote position north of the village. Another view, the interior, and the font. SY 5706 9059. All © Dennis Harper (2011). Link. Grade I listed. Several churchyard monuments are also listed - see here. In the village proper is a former Primitive Methodist Chapel. It's dated here to 1882, and it was seen by Streetview in 2011. SY 5686 9000.
Long Crichel, St. Mary the Virgin. ST 9776 1028.
© Chris Kippin (2019). Link. Grade II* listed.
Longburton, St. James the Great. Interior view. ST 6489 1276. Both © Marion Hall. Link. Grade I listed. Two churchyard monuments share a grade II listing. Longburton Methodist Church (2023 Streetview) stands to the south of the village. Older maps label it as Wesleyan. Its grade II listing dates it to 1878. ST 6502 1211. This source shows that there was also a Primitive Methodist presence in or near the village, but where they met is not so far discovered.
Longham, U.R.C. on Ringwood Road is dated 1841, and is shown on older maps as Congregational. SZ 0664 9856. © Gerard Charmley (2010).
In 2024 the building was bought by the Maranatha Christian Church - link.
Lyme Regis.
Lytchett Minster, the church, which has no dedication. SY 9604 9309. © Bill Henderson. Another view, and an interior view, both © Roger Hopkins. Link. Grade II listed. U.R.C. on Dorchester Road, labelled on older maps as Congregational. SY 9570 9279. © Bill Henderson. Grade II listed - dates it to 1824. A planning application in 2022 requested change of use to residential.

Maiden Newton, St. Mary. SY 5963 9789. © Steve Bulman (2010). Link1. Link2. Grade I listed. Several monuments in the churchyard are also listed here. The former Wesleyan Methodist Church on Dorchester Road. My appreciation to Janet Gimber for the identification, and for advising that it seems to have closed in the early 1990's. It pre-dates a map of 1887. SY 5959 9769. © Steve Bulman (2010). Also pre-dating that map is the former Congregational Chapel (2011 Streetview) on Chapel Lane. It had gone out of use by the mid-20th century. SY 5978 9779.
Manston, St. Nicholas. ST 8165 1505.
© Chris Kippin (2022). The church website has an interior view. Grade I listed. A Mausoleum in the churchyard is listed as grade II. © Chris Kippin (2022). For other listed features in the churchyard, see here. A former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel stands on the B3091, to the west of the village, at ST 8112 1546. It pre-dates a map of 1887, and its National Archives entry gives a date of 1965 for its sale.
Margaret Marsh, St. Margaret. ST 8236 1864. © Chris Kippin (2024). Link. Grade II* listed. Each of three churchyard table tombs have their own listing - they can be found here.
Marnhull, St. Gregory. An older O.S. map labels it as St. George and St. Gregory. Three more views - 1, 2, 3, and the interior. ST 7815 1872. All © Chris Kippin (2024). Link. Grade I listed. For other related listed features, see here. The Methodist Church is on Burton Street. It was originally Primitive Methodist, dated here to 1899, successor to an earlier chapel of 1833. The earlier chapel isn't shown on the same site on a map of 1886, and I can't find it elsewhere. ST 7812 1910. © Chris Kippin (2024). A former Independent/Congregational Chapel stands on Sackmore Lane at ST 7757 1928. It pre-dates a map of 1886, and was seen by Streetview in 2023. Older O.S. maps show that there was a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in the village too. It stood on New Street at ST 7779 1859. Pre-dating a map of 1886, it was seen by Streetview in 2023. Our Lady and St. Benedict (R.C.) stands well to the north of the village, on Old Mill Lane, at ST 7832 2007. It also pre-dates the 1886 map - its grade II listing says 1832. Streetview, from 2011. Link.
Marshwood, St. Mary. Another view. SY 3827 9962. Both © Julie Baker. Link. Grade II listed. A map of 1888 shows an Independent Chapel a little way north of St. Mary, at SY 3831 9971. Later maps show it as Congregational. Its grade II listing dates it to the mid-18th century, converted to residential use in 1932. It was seen by Streetview in 2023.
Martinstown, St. Martin of Tours. Another view, the interior, and the font. The plaque beneath the font says that it was "Restored to its Ancient Form A.D. 1897". SY 6476 8901. All
© Chris Kippin (2022). Link. Grade I listed. For listed monuments in the churchyard, see here. A map of 1902 (but not one of 1888) shows a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel at SY 6442 8895. It was still in active use into the mid-20th century. It survives, converted, and was seen by Streetview in 2009 (later Streetviews are hampered by vegetation).
Melbury Abbas, St. Thomas. ST 8821 2008. © June Norris. Link. Grade II* listed - has more photos, including the interior.


Melbury Bubb, St. Mary. The fine font. ST 5960 0655. Both
© Christopher Skottowe. Link1. Link2. Grade I listed. A cross and several monuments are listed separately, here.

 


Milborne St. Andrew, St. Andrew. SY 8012 9740. © June Norris. Link1. Link2.
Grade II* listed. The former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. It has a date-stone for 1861(?). There was evidently an earlier chapel, as the National  Archives references documents for the years 1823-1989. SY 8020 9756. Both © Chris Kippin (2022).
Milton Abbas, St. James. Two interior views - 1, 2, and the font. ST 8065 0178. All © Karel Kuča (2011).  Link. Grade II* listed. The former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel on The Street, as seen by Streetview in 2021. It's dated 1896. ST 8079 0189. Milton Abbey is dedicated to S
S Mary, Michael, Sampson and Branwalader, and stands a short distance to the north-west of the village. ST 7983 0230. © Karel Kuča (2011). Two more views - 1, 2, and three of the interior - 1, 2, 3, all © Chris Kippin (2022). Numerous photos can be found on the abbey website. East of the Abbey is St. Catherine's Chapel, at ST 8012 0234. Not visible on Streetview, photos and a history are available here.
Minterne Magna, St. Andrew. Interior view. The beautiful Napier Monument. The church also holds a tomb of the Churchill family. All © Roger Hopkins. Link.
Monkton Wyld, St. Andrew. Another view. SY 3366 9634. Both
© Chris Kippin (2022). Link. Grade II* listed, wherein it's dated to 1848.
Moordown, Bournemouth - see the Bournemouth page.
Morecombelake, St. Gabriel (1841). Another view. SY 4052 9380. Both © Dennis Harper (2011). Link. Grade II listed. This was a replacement for a medieval church, also St. Gabriel,  at SY 4021 9241. Now ruinous, it can be seen in several photos here, by scrolling down the panel to the left of the map. Old maps show a Congregational Chapel at SY 4002 9417. It stood beyond the building which can be seen in a 2009 Streetview here.
Moreton, St. Nicholas. © June Norris. A lovely Georgian church, bombed in WWII. Its chief glory now lies in the windows, installed over the last few decades to replace those destroyed by the bomb. But the replacement windows are of beautifully engraved glass, which give a quality of light in the church which is simply stunning. Three further views - 1, 2, 3, interior view, and one of the windows, all © Steve Bulman (2010). A close-up of one of the engraved windows, © Christopher Skottowe. Link.
Motcombe, St Mary. ST 8491 2524. Another view. Grade II* listed. Methodist Church, on The Street. ST 8469 2587. Link. All
© Chris Kippin (2020).
Mudeford
, Christchurch - see the Christchurch page.

Oborne, St. Cuthbert. All that remains is the chancel, the nave having been demolished in the 1860's. Now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. Another view, and two interior views - 1, 2. All © Martin Richter (2012). Link1. Link2. Grade II* listed - link.
Okeford Fitzpaine, St. Andrew. ST 807 108.
© Chris Kippin. Link. Grade II* listed.
Owermoigne, St. Michael. Interior view, altar and font. All © Dennis Harper (2011). Link. Grade II* listed.


Parkstone, Poole - see the Poole page.
Pentridge, St. Rumbold, and its interior. SU 0332 1783. Both
© Chris Kippin (2022). Link. Grade II listed. A group of monuments in the churchyard is also listed as grade II.
Piddlehinton, St. Mary the Virgin. © Graeme Harvey. Another view, and an interior view. Another favourite church of Roger (and Thomas Hardy!). Both © Roger Hopkins. Link.
Piddletrenthide, All Saints. © Graeme Harvey. Link.
Pilsdon, St. Mary. © June Norris.
Pimperne, St. Peter. ST 903 094.
© Chris Kippin (2019). Link. Grade II* listed.
Poole.
Portesham, St. Peter. Another view, interior view, altar, pulpit and font. Link. Grade I listed - link. Methodist Church (1867). Another view. The left hand half of the building was built as a schoolroom in 1905. All © Dennis Harper (2011).
Portland, comprising of Fortuneswell, Easton, Grove, Weston and Southwell.
Puddletown, St. Mary the Virgin. Interior view showing the gallery and organ, and another taken from the gallery. A medieval tomb. Roger explains that this is Thomas Hardy's Weatherbury Church. The gallery (C17) was used by the church musician's, Hardy's father being one of them. SY 7587 9436. All © Roger Hopkins, who rates this church highly. Another view, the interior, the pulpit and tester, the early font, and the intricate roof timbers, all © Christopher Skottowe (1978 [photo 1] and 2013). Link. Grade I listed. Numerous monuments in the churchyard have separate listings - they can be found here. A former Congregational Chapel stands on Athelhampton Road, east of the town, at SY 7619 9419. Pre-dating a map of 1902, it was seen by Streetview in 2016.
Puncknowle, St. Mary. Two further views - 1, 2, interior view, altar and font, All © Dennis Harper (2011). Grade I listed - link.
Purewell
, Christchurch - see the Christchurch page.

Radipole, St. Ann. From an old postcard in Steve Bulman's Collection. Link.

Shaftesbury.
Shapwick, St. Bartholomew.  A lovely C14 church on a riverbank. Roger relates the following old story - "
An amusing legend told in these parts is about a long ago funeral at Shapwick's notoriously flood prone church. Mourners were interrupted by a sudden great storm as they lowered the deceased into the grave. As Shapwick quickly became flooded they abandoned the proceedings for higher ground.  However, returning later they found the coffin had floated into the River Stour and was never to be seen again!" © Roger Hopkins. Link.
Sherborne.
Shillingstone, Holy Rood. ST 824 114. Link. Grade I listed. Former chapel. Another view. ST 825 110.
Gospel Hall. ST 824 113. Link. All © Chris Kippin.
Shipton Gorge, St. Martin. Interior view, and the font. All © Dennis Harper (2011). Link. Grade II* listed - link.
Sixpenny Handley, St. Mary. SS 9956 1731. © Chris Kippin (2022). Link. Grade II* listed. The nearby war memorial is listed as grade II. The former Ebenezer Primitive Methodist Chapel on High Street is now in residential use. It has an unusual date-stone recording the destruction of its predecessor in a fire in 1892. This source says it was closed in 1979. Both © Chris Kippin (2022).
Somerford
, Christchurch   - see the Christchurch page.
Southbourne, Bournemouth - see the Bournemouth page.

Southwell - see Portland.
Spetisbury, St. John the Baptist. © June Norris. Link.
Stalbridge, Congregational Church on Station Road. ST 736 178. Link, which says the church dates from 1870, and was preceded by an earlier Presbyterian Meeting House (building registered 1724) and chapel (1725). Link. Methodist Church (1873) on Ring Street. Possibly no longer in use. The previous building, Wesleyan, which was built in 1833, was on Guggleton Street. This was later re-named as Station Road, so Howard Richter speculates that the Congregational Church may be built on the site of the Wesleyan building (or even be substantially the same building), though has been unable to find any proof of this. Both © Martin Richter (2012).
Stanpit, Christchurch - see the Christchurch page.
Steeple Church, St. Michael and All Angels. © Bill McKenzie.
Stepleton (aka Stepleton Iwerne, or Iwerne Stepleton), St. Mary - once a parish church but now a private chapel.
ST 8628 1125. © Chris Kippin (2022). Link. Grade II* listed.
Stinsford, St. Michael. Two interior views - 1, 2. This is Thomas Hardy's "Mellstock Church" in "Tess", and "Under the Greenwood Tree". It was his childhood church, and Roger advises that this skull had a morbid fascination for the young Hardy. His heart is buried under this memorial. All © Roger Hopkins. Link.
Stour Provost, St. Michael and All Angels. ST 7940 2157.  © Chris Kippin (2024). Link. Grade I listed. A churchyard table tomb is separately listed, as grade II.
Stour Row, All Saints. Another view, and the church bell in the churchyard. ST 8228 2116. Link. Grade II* listed. Former chapel. Another view. Howard Richter advises that this seems to have been built between 1865 (when it isn't mentioned in a directory of that year) and 1880 (when Kelly's directory mentions a Congregational Chapel). On an 1887 map it shows as "Independent". By the time of a 1962 map, it shows as "Chap (Dis)", so disused, and on a map of 1965 it's "Hall". It appears to continue in use as the village hall today. ST 8196 2107. Both © Martin Richter (2012).
Stourpaine, Holy Trinity. ST 860 093. © June Norris. Another view, and an interior view, both © Roger Hopkins. Another view,
© Chris Kippin (2019). Link. Grade II* listed. The former Methodist chapel stands at ST 860 094. Another view. Both © Chris Kippin (2019).
Studland, St. Nicholas. From an old postcard in Steve Bulman's Collection. A modern view. Interior view, and another. The church from the east. All photos © Roger Hopkins. Link.
Sturminster Marshall, St. Mary the Virgin. © June Norris. Link.
Sturminster Newton, St. Mary. Interior view. ST 7880 1395. Both © Roger Hopkins (2012). Link. Grade I listed. For other listed features associated with the church, see here. The Methodist Church on Church Street, seen by Streetview in 2011. It was originally Wesleyan, pre-dating a map of 1887. ST 7868 1399. Link. All Saints was the chapel for the adjacent Sturminster Union Workhouse. The chapel is dated here to 1891 - though its grade II listing says mid-19th century. Another view. ST 7868 1477. Both
 © Chris Kippin (2024). Sturminster Christian Fellowship on The Row, as seen by Streetview in 2016. Link. Mortuary Chapel in the cemetery at Bridge. ST 7870 1355. © Chris Kippin (2022). Also at Bridge is a former Primitive Methodist Chapel, seen here by Streetview in 2014. According to this source, it dates from a re-build of 1870, on the site of a chapel of 1846. ST 7840 1351.
Sutton Poyntz, the former Sutton Road Evangelical Church, as seen by Streetview in 2016. It's mentioned in a planning news story here where it's dated to pre-1937-2009. Work had commenced by the time of the next Streetview visit in 2021. SY 7056 8359. There was a medieval Chapel here. Not shown on O.S. maps, an information board in the village shows it somewhere north of the water works, at circa SY 7056 8405. If this position is correct (and some sources says that its location is uncertain), it would have stood somewhere near the grassy area in the middle distance, seen in a Streetview from 2009. The view is somewhat different today, as housing has been built along the road - Streetview 2021. Large scale O.S. maps mark Prospect Cottage (On Site of Church), with "Church" in the font indicating an ancient site, on Plaisters Lane at SY 7053 8374. I don't know if this is an alternative site for the medieval church mentioned earlier, or for a different one. Prospect Cottage was seen by Streetview in 2021. A former Mission Room stands on Mission Hall Lane, at SY 7059 8386. It now serves as the village hall. © Paul E. Barnett (2022). Streetview provides a view from the opposite side, from 2016. On Mission Hall Lane stands a former Mission Hall, at SY 7059 8386 (the single storey red-brick building in the distance). © Paul E. Barnett (2022).
Sutton Waldron, St. Bartholomew (1847). ST 8621 1570. © June Norris. Another view, two of the interior - 1, 2, the altar, the pulpit, and the font, all
© Chris Stafford (2015). Link. Grade II* listed.
Swanage, St. Mary the Virgin. From an old postcard in Steve Bulman's Collection. A modern view. © Graeme Harvey (2011). Holy Spirit and St. Edward (R.C.) on Victoria Avenue. SZ 030 911. © Graeme Harvey (2011). Three additional views - 1, 2, 3, all © Martin Richter (2012). Link1. Link2. Grade II listed.
Swyre, Holy Trinity. © Dennis Harper (2011). Link. Grade I listed - link.
Sydling St. Nicholas, St. Nicholas. Another view, and a gargoyle on the tower. SY 630 992. All © Steve Bulman (2010). Link.
Symondsbury, St. John the Baptist. Two interior views - 1, 2, the altar and organ, and the font (the listing website says C19, which may be right for the supports, but surely not for the bowl?). All © Dennis Harper (2011). Link. Grade I Listed - link.

Tarrant Crawford, St. Mary. Interior views 1 and 2. St. Mary is all that remains of Tarrant Abbey, which was enormously wealthy. Some 13th/14th century wall paintings survive, and Roger has used computer restoration to improve this detail. ST 9229 0347. All © Roger Hopkins. Another view, © Chris Kippin (2020). Link. Grade I listed.
Tarrant Gunville, St. Mary. Interior view. A scratch dial. All © Roger Hopkins. Link.
Tarrant Hinton, St. Mary. Another view. ST 936 111. Both
© Chris Kippin (2019). Link (many photos). Grade I listed.
Tarrant Keyneston, All Saints. Another view. ST 92542 03999.
Both
© Chris Kippin (2020). Link. Grade II* listed.
Tarrant Monkton, All Saints. Another view. ST 943 088. Link. Grade II* listed.  A former Methodist Chapel. The roundel in the gable-end has the date 1950. ST 944 090. All © Chris Kippin (2019).
Tarrant Rawston, the former St. Mary. Interior view.
ST 9391 0667. Both © Chris Kippin (2019). This interesting history (with photos) says that it was "declared redundant in the early 1970's". Grade II* listed.
Tarrant Rushton, St. Mary
. Another view. ST 937 060. Both © Chris Kippin (2019). Link. Grade II* listed.
Three Legged Cross, All Saints - an Iron Mission Church, built 1893. In 1957 it was clad in stone, but has since been demolished and replaced. Former Primitive Methodist Chapel. Dating from 1893, it replaced an earlier building of about 1850, and went out of use in 1984. Extended, it is now a private residence. U.R.C., formerly Congregational (built 1891). Images courtesy of Verwood Historical Society, and kindly forwarded by Jill Coulthard.
Thorncombe, St. Mary. ST 375 033. Link. Thorncombe Chapel. ST 375 032. Link. Both © Julie Baker.
Todber, St. Andrew. ST 7998 2005. © Chris Kippin (2024). Link. Grade II listed.
Toller Fratrum, St. Basil. SY 5787 9740. © Marion Hall. Two views of the 12th century font - 1, 2, both
© Christopher Skottowe (1978). Link. Grade II* listed.
Tolpuddle, St. John. © June Norris. Another view and the interior. Tolpuddle is, of course, famous for the Tolpuddle Martyrs, and there is an annual Trade Union pilgrimage here to pay their respects to the memory of the martyrs, one of whom is buried here. Both © Roger Hopkins. Two additional interiors - 1, 2, both © Peter Morgan (2017). Link. Grade I listed. The Methodist Church (1861, restored 1957) also has a memorial commemorating the martyrs - close-ups here and here. Interior view. All © Dennis Harper (2011). Grade II listed.
Trent, St. Andrew. Another view. ST 589 185. Both © Julie Baker.
Turnworth, St. Mary. Another view. ST 821 075. Both
© Chris Kippin. Link. Grade II* listed.
Tyneham, St. Mary. Interior view. Detail of the East Window, designed by Martin Travers in 1925. Tyneham is the village commandeered by the MOD during WWII to serve as a training area. See the Wikipedia entry. All © Roger Hopkins. Link.

Upwey, St. Laurence. From an old postcard in Steve Bulman's Collection.

Verwood.

Wareham.
West Bay, St. John. © Graeme Harvey. Another view, interior view, the font, and the organ, all © Dennis Harper (2011). Link. Methodist Church. © Graeme Harvey. Another view, © Dennis Harper (2011).
West Lulworth, Holy Trinity. Interior view, altar and font. All © Dennis Harper (2011). Another view, and interior. It looks older, but only dates from 1869-70. The original Norman church was described in 1763 by John O'Keefe as "very ancient, the smallest I ever saw!" (source, which includes an illustration). Both © Roger Hopkins (2011). Link. Grade II listed, as is the lych-gate. O.S. maps mark the site of the old church, almost due east at SY 8264 8075. Its graveyard remains, and was seen by Streetview in 2023 - O.S. maps mark the site of the church in the corner of the graveyard nearest to the camera. The listing for the new church includes the following
- "Some stonework from old church re-used in the vestry". The former St. Mary (R.C.) stands south of the "new" church, at SY 8234 8058. It was seen by Streetview in 2023. Just a few yards further south is the site (2023 Streetview) of a Congregational Chapel, at SY 8235 8054. Both chapels pre-date a map of 1888. This source dates the Congregational Chapel (of which there is an old photo), to 1869, closing as U.R.C. in 1995.


West Orchard, St. Luke. ST 8237 1643. © Chris Kippin (2024). Link. Grade II listed.


West Stafford, St. Andrew. Interior view of a really lovely church. Hardy set the marriage of Angel Clare and Tess of "Tess of the D'Urberville's" here. Both © Roger Hopkins. Link.
West Stour, St. Mary, and its interior. ST 7846 2291. Both © Chris Kippin (2024). Link. Grade II* listed. Several table-tombs in the churchyard are also listed - they can be seen here. A former Primitive Methodist Chapel stands in the village, south of the church at ST 7850 2282. It was seen by Streetview in 2016, and is dated here to 1854. Maps indicate that it has been closed for many decades.
Westbourne, Bournemouth - see the Bournemouth page.
Weymouth
.
Whitchurch Canonicorum, the C12 St. Candida & Holy Cross, off Gassons Lane. SY 3965 9645. © June Norris. Interior view,
© Richard Roberts (2016). The pulpit, and a fine tomb, both © Elaine Sanders. Link. Grade I listed.
Whitcombe, Whitcombe Church (dedication not known). Interior view. Detail of a wall painting. In the care of the Churches Conservation Trust, this ancient church was the living of the dialect poet William Barnes. All © Roger Hopkins. Link.
Wimborne Minster.

Wimborne St. Giles, St. Giles. SU 032 119. © Kevin Gordon.
Winfrith Newburgh, St. Christopher. Another view, interior view, altar and font. All © Dennis Harper (2011). Grade II* listed. The former Wesleyan Chapel on High Street/Water Lane. There is a badly degraded date-stone, perhaps for 1914. SY 806 848.
© Richard Roberts (2016).
Winterborne Houghton, St. Andrew. The church website dates it to 1861. Another view, and the interior. ST 8203 0440. All
© Chris Kippin (2022). Grade II listed.
Winterborne Monkton, St. Simon and St. Jude. Another view. SY 6757 8774. Both
© Chris Kippin (2022). Grade II* listed.
Winterborne Steepleton, St. Michael. Two more views - 1, 2, two of the interior - 1, 2, the pulpit and the font. SY 6291 8981. All
© Chris Kippin (2022). Link. Grade I listed. Several monuments in the churchyard are listed separately - they can be seen here
Winterborne Tomson, St. Andrew, now cared for by the Churches Conservation trust. As early as a 1901 O.S. map it's labelled as Disused. Two interior views, showing the box pews - 1, 2. SY 8848 9742. All © Christopher Skottowe. Link1. Link2.
Grade I listed.
Winterborne Whitechurch, St. Mary. Another view. ST 8360 0012. Both © Chris Kippin (2022). Grade I listed. For other related listed features, see here. The village also had a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, on Blandford Hill, at ST 8397 0025. It pre-dates a map of 1887, and this source (which has old photos) says it was closed in 1971 and demolished two years later. There's a house on the site today, seen by Streetview in 2021.
Winterbourne Abbas, St. Mary. © Graeme Harvey. Link.
Winterbourne Clenston, St. Nicholas. ST 840 029.
© Chris Kippin. Link. Grade II* listed.
Winterbourne Kingston, St. Nicholas. Another view. Grade II* listed - link. Methodist Church (1872). All © Dennis Harper (2011).
Winterbourne Stickland, St. Mary. ST 834 046. Grade I listed. Former Chapel. ST 835 046. Both
© Chris Kippin.
Witchampton, St. Mary, St. Cuthberga & All Saints. © June Norris.
Woodlands, Church of the Ascension. © June Norris. Methodist Church (interior only). Image courtesy of Verwood Historical Society, and kindly forwarded by Jill Coulthard.
Wool, St. Joseph (R.C.). © Graeme Harvey (2011).
Woolland, the church (no dedication). Its grade II listing dates it to circa 1857, a G.G. Scott church. ST 7761 0698.
© Chris Kippin (2022). Link. Two table tombs in the churchyard are listed separately - they can be found here.
Wootton Fitzpaine, St. Andrew (1848) on Elsdon's Lane. Interior view. SY 371 956. Both
© Richard Roberts (2016). Grade II* listed.
Worth Matravers, St. Alban's Chapel, aka St. Aldhelm's Chapel according to this website. From an old postcard in Steve Bulman's Collection. A modern view. Interior view. Both © Roger Hopkins. St. Nicholas, the parish church. SY 972 774. © Malcolm Matthews. A modern view. Interior view. Both © Roger Hopkins. Link.

Yetminster, St. Andrew. From an old postcard in Reg Dosell's Collection. Link.

 

 
 

Home

22 January 2025

© Steve Bulman

Contact Details