WINTERBORNE TOMSON

St. Andrew

This must be one of the most rewarding of all the little churches in Dorset.  It sits in its own grassy yard, close to a magnificent house, with a farm in the background.  Over the west end is a delightful bellcote, but it is the simplicity of the interior that is so attractive.  The nave and chancel are one with an apse.  There is a plastered wagon roof with transverse wooden arches that are arranged radially over the apse.  This is essentially Norman with 'modernised' fittings by Archbishop Wake of Canterbury (1716-1737).  These include box pews, a two decker pulpit with tester above, a lovely communion rail and a gallery across the whole of the rear.  It was the subject of a restoration by A.R.Powys in 1931 and most appropriately, funded by the sale of Thomas Hardy manuscripts, because the writer was a great admirer of the building during his life time.  The church is now in the hands of the Redundant Churches Trust and in dire need of attention.