DorsetWINTERBORNETOMSONStAndrew(grassrootsgroundswellCC-BY2.0)1 GrassrootsGroundswell

St Andrew

A Dorset gem saved by the ghost of Thomas Hardy.

Winterborne Tomson, Dorset

Opening times

Opened by volunteers, open daily.

Address

off Marsh Lane
Winterborne Tomson
Dorset
DT11 9HA

This tiny chapel, built of flint and stone, with a tiny weather boarded bell turret, has barely been altered since it was built in Norman times. The inside is simple, bright and beautiful with uneven limewashed walls and a flagged floor.

The early 18th century oak fittings were provided by William Wake, then Archbishop of Canterbury, whose family lived nearby. The silvery grey, box pews, the pulpit, the screen, the communion rails and matching table, the font cover and the west door all date from his refurbishment.

The wagon roof is unique in that it curves round the apse, with finely carved bosses where the oak ribs intersect.

It is hard to believe that, less than 100 years ago, the church was 'given over to donkeys, dogs, pigs and fowls' of the neighbouring farm. The church escaped total ruin in 1931 only when The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings sold a collection of Thomas Hardy manuscripts to pay for repairs.

Hardy was once an architect's assistant in this part of Dorset, but this church does not seem to have featured in any of his novels. The restoration work was supervised by the architect AR Powys, Secretary to the Society. It is thanks to him that this lovely church has survived in such a wonderfully unspoilt condition. A plaque in the church commemorates Powys work.

This church is cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust

  • Captivating architecture

  • Famous connections

  • Glorious furnishings

  • National heritage here

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access to the main areas

  • On street parking at church

  • Parking within 250m

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Churches Conservation Trust

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Mary

Almer, Dorset

Dating from the 11th century, St Mary's has an interesting collection of stained glass, well worthy of a visit.

St John the Baptist

Bere Regis, Dorset

Tucked away in a quiet and modest part of the village, St John's church is handsome from the outside, being built of a mixture of stone and flint, but it is the inside that makes this church the gem of this part of Dorset.

St Mary

Lytchett Matravers, Dorset

Nestled at the bottom of a hill on the outskirts of the village, St Mary’s church, built of local heathstone is steeped in history.