DorsetPORTLANDStGeorge(johnlordCC-BY-2.0)1 JohnLord

St George

A church inspired by St Paul's Cathedral.

Portland, Dorset

Opening times

Open daily.

Address

Reforne
Portland
Dorset
DT5 2JP

Vast and solitary, St George's is one of the most magnificent 18th century church in Dorset. It rises from the rocky, treeless and dramatic peninsula of Portland and is the masterwork of a local mason named Thomas Gilbert whose grandfather supplied the Portland stone used to build St Paul's Cathedral.

The interior is fabulously preserved with its lectern, pulpit, box pews and galleries all surviving. It is a 'preacher's church'; with all the seating facing the twin pulpits, one for reading 'the Word' (scripture), the other for lengthy sermons.

The sprawling churchyard is a treasure trove of fabulous headstones and memorials that tell tales of murder, piracy and adventure in a gloriously atmospheric setting.

There are inscriptions to Mary Way and William Lano, who were shot and killed in 1803 by a press gang, and Joseph Trevitt, an assistant warder at Portland Prison who was murdered by a convict in 1869.

This church is cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Magnificent memorials

  • National heritage here

  • Wildlife haven

  • 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

All Saints

Wyke Regis, Dorset

Weymouth's original parish church and an important example of the Perpendicular style from the 15th century.

St Paul

Weymouth, Dorset

In the Anglo Catholic high church tradition, built in 1894, designed by George Fellowes Prynne with a unique and fascinating atmosphere.