St Mary
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This captivating little building must certainly be one of the smaller churches in Dorset. It sits in its own grassy churchyard in a charming rural hamlet next to a farm and opposite a large and attractive house.
On the approach, the most striking thing is the 19c western octagonal bell turret housing a single bell. Access is through the southern porch, which protects a Norman doorway. The interior is very simple yet incredibly peaceful and pleasing. This is an ancient church, which belongs essentially to the 12c and 13c. There are lancet windows and a piscina in the chancel, probably from this period. Sir Nikolaus Pevsner was uncertain about the date of the chancel arch. There is a generous hagioscope (or squint) in the north side suggesting there was once a north chapel. The aperture still gives an excellent view of the chancel altar so that, in the old days, the raising of the Host could be synchronised. All that appears to remain of the chapel, if there was one, is a recess. The building was much restored by the Victorians. Note the generous font.
This is a lovely church well worth a visiting.
