WAREHAM

St.Martin

St. Martin is perhaps the most important and complete Saxon church in Dorset.  The original two-cell church must have been very similar to the textbook Saxon example found at Bradford-on-Avon.  In the 12c the narrow north aisle was added, but had to wait until 15c to receive a window.  The building is entered through a 16c south tower with saddleback roof.  There is a magnificent chancel arch, flanked by squints and some wonderful wall painting of various dates. There is a plain octagonal 17c font.

As with so many of Dorset's churches, it had been allowed to reach a perilous state of dilapidation by the end of the 18c and was closed.  It was not until 1935 that a decision was taken to save the church after nearly 200 years of neglect and it was re-dedicated by the bishop on 23rd November 1936.

The most important monument in the building is the recumbent effigy of T.E.Lawrence, who is buried in Moreton churchyard.  This a superb representation in Purbeck stone of the enigmatic Lawrence of Arabia in full Arabian dress is by his friend, Eric Kennington.