RADIPOLE

St. Ann

The church of St. Ann lays claim to being the oldest building in Weymouth because much of the nave was built around 1250.  Two chantry chapels, now transepts, were added during the 14c.  The south porch is of 1733.  Unfortunately, 1862 saw an energetic Victorian restoration, during which a 15c chancel screen, a Georgian three-decker pulpit and box pews were all torn down.  Nevertheless, the interior is now very pleasing, complete with a Victorian gallery at the west end.  The painted pews, with beautifully executed floral ends, are particularly memorable.  There is a surprisingly large organ of 1880 that was originally designed for a house in Greenhill.

Uniquely, mounted on the ceiling of the nave, is a very moving painting of Christ being baptised.  A further point of interest is to be found on the cill of the priest's door on the south side of the chancel, where there are fragments of medieval floor tiles.

Outside, the striking feature of the building is the rather Italianate triple bell turret.  Together with the adjacent church school, it makes a most attractive suite of buildings.