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The ownership of lands in Ockholte, Latinised Acolta, is recorded in various deeds from 1197 onwards.

St Giles church stands beside picturesque almshouse and near to the great house of the Ashley Coopers, Earls of Shaftesbury.

The inspiration for a dramatic Dickens tale.

Author, artist and founder of the Arts and Crafts movement William Morris called this'the most beautiful country church in all England'.

After falling into disrepair St Mary's was rebuilt in 1879 by the Earl of Portsmouth. Its Norman roots can be found in the arch above the south porch and the small chancel window.

Major William Colt had the church built to say thank you to God for his recovery from a very serious illness, carved faces of him and his wife and either side of the chancel steps.

The famous twisted spire of wooden shingles supports a fine peal of six bells.