DorsetCHARMINSTERStMaryVirgin(rayjenningsCC-BY-SA2.0)1 RayJennings

St Mary the Virgin

A Saxon church minster was on or near where the church is today first in the 8th century giving 1,200 years of Christian church in this place.

Charminster, Dorset

Opening times

The church is open daily 9am to 5pm.

Address

West Hill
Charminster
Dorset
DT2 9RN

It has been suggested that the Saxon church was nearer North Street because there is some evidence that the river bed was where the church is today. Possibly originally a wooden building, but possibly in stone similar to the church at Studland. It was a minster church serving the Saxon settlements up the Cerne Valley and also toward Stratton and Grimstone.

In the 11th century a little new church was built where the church now stands. There was a nave and two small transepts in the Norman style. There could have been a small tower and a chancel but all that remains is the arch and wall at the east end. This was replaced by a larger church and chancel with two narrow side aisles similar to the present aisle near the vicar’s vestry. In the 14th century the Trenchards of Wolfeton House built the chapel on the south side of the church possibly as a chantry. Until and shortly after World War II this was always known as the Wolfeton Chapel. Then about the year 1500 Sir Thomas Trenchard caused the erection of the tower and the two vestries, but shortly after the time of the Reformation the chancel was demolished and a window placed in the archway with a low stone wall. No altar just a communion table in the nave and a new chancel was built slightly smaller than the original chancel.

In about 1837 the north aisle was enlarged by moving the north wall out some twelve feet providing much more room for the congregation. By the 1890s the roof was in very poor condition and leaking badly. Funds were raised and a new roof replaced the old one. The new roof was a different shape as can be seen of the line by the old roof. At that time the old box pews were removed and the present ones were installed. No major building works in the 20th century but in 1953(?) a new organ was installed as the old one was worn out.

At the beginning of the present century the pews in the north aisle were removed and replace by chairs. This made the space more flexible in the use of the aisle. A loo and servery were also installed which allow us to be hospitable! In 2016, in a major restoration project the woodblock flooring under the pews was replaced by stone flagging and under floor heating. The heat is supplied by an Air Source Heat Pump.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Wildlife haven

  • Accessible toilets in church

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Church shop or souvenirs

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access to the main areas

  • On street parking at church

  • Parking within 250m

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Tuesday coffee mornings 9am to 12noon and 3pm to 4pm school run cafe.

  • Daily prayer.

  • Seasonal discipleship courses.

  • Sunday mornings: 8am BCP Communion 9.30am 2nd & 4th Sundays cafe church and Communion 11am Holy Communion (1st & 3rd Sunday) 5/6pm BCP Evensong (winter/summer)

  • Church of England

  • Repair Grant, £2,500, 2014

  • Our Repair Grants funded urgent repair work to help keep churches open.

Contact information

Other nearby churches

Dorchester United Church

Dorchester, Dorset

The United Church was formed in 1978 as a partnership between the Methodist and United Reformed churches in the town.

St Michael

Stinsford, Dorset

Thriving church in Thomas Hardy's home, with popular services and a friendly, inclusive and welcoming gathered congregation.