TARRANT HINTON

St. Mary

This is a gem of a little church, tucked away amongst cottages.  There is a 15c tower, replete with gargoyles and battlements.  Evidence of an earlier Norman building can be seen by the give-away zigzag moulding above the south door.  At some stage the nave roof was probably raised and clerestory windows inserted to give extra light.  However, the chancel is 1874 by Benjamin Ferry, where there is a magnificent Easter Sepulchre, which bears the initials of Thomas Weaver, rector 1514-36.  This is almost certainly unique in Dorset, although Sir Owen Morshead thought a somewhat similar recessed tomb in the nave of Gussage All Saints church might also be one. Note: the delightful 1909 Art Nouveau lectern made from brass and iron and the squint.  On the north wall of the nave there is a memorial to Michael Hankey, a pilot, killed in WWII.  The interesting font is Norman.

This is a really wonderful church in an unspoilt village setting and well worth visiting.