Ghostly painted tales in a rural church.
Tarrant Crawford, Dorset
In a gentle valley above the River Tarrant, this simple and evocative church, which dates back to 12th century, is all that remains of a wealthy Cistercian nunnery, 13th century Tarrant Abbey, to which it may have been a lay chapel.
Today, the long, elegant interior has oak furnishings and a beautiful 16th century wagon roof. There are also several 13th and 14th century coffin lids set in the floor, probably of abbesses and nuns.
Best of all, however, are the ghostly 14th century paintings, made to instruct and inspire the parishioners. These cover most of the walls of the nave, catching your eye as soon as you walk into the church. Though somewhat degraded, they still give a vivid impression of warmth and colour. It is unusual for such an early set of paintings to survive, albeit damaged.
The earliest, in the chancel, is 13th century and consists of a simple masonry pattern with a flower stencil. There are also 14th century depictions of St Margaret of Antioch, said to have been swallowed by a dragon, and three animated skeletons, who warn three princes of the emptiness of earthly rank and wealth.
The paintings on the north wall are more fragmentary, but you can identify St Michael weighing souls, and St Christopher carrying the Christ Child.
Shapwick, Dorset
People have been worshipping in this beautiful place for over a thousand years, the church dates back to the 13th century and there is a real feeling of tranquillity and spirituality here standing on the bank of the River Stour.
Almer, Dorset
Dating from the 11th century, St Mary's has an interesting collection of stained glass, well worthy of a visit.
Blandford Forum, Dorset
St Peter & St Paul is arguably the best Georgian church outside London and stands at the very heart of its community.
