St Edward, King & Martyr

The first church was probably built during the 12th century.

The earliest known incumbent is recorded in 1280. It was dedicated to St Edward the Martyr who, it is said, was murdered at Corfe on 18th March 978 on the orders of Queen Alfthryth, his stepmother. The story goes that his body was hidden in a hovel where a blind woman discovered it. Her sight was restored when she found the body.

The early church consisted of a nave, chancel, a narrow north aisle and a large north porch; it was enlarged during the 13th century with an additional aisle. During the Civil War (1642-1646), Parliamentary troops stationed themselves inside the church using the church as stabling for their horses and men. Much damage was caused; church records were burnt, the door was used in battle and masonry used for target practice. Shot marks can still be seen both inside and outside the church.

In 1859-60, the church underwent a major restoration mainly because the walls were bulging out by a foot (30cms) so all the walls were pulled down, apart from the tower, and rebuilt. Galleries that had been installed in the 18th century were removed and the church reroofed. The east window was replaced and all the chest tombs removed to create more space. It was reconsecrated on 23rd June 1860 when it poured with rain the whole day so the festivities had to be postponed.