Stoke Abbott St Mary Church Michael Day CC-BY-NC2.0

St Mary

St Mary's is a Grade I listed building dating from the 12th century, set back from the village street in a location of extraordinary peace with a view south across the valley.

Stoke Abbott, Dorset

Opening times

Not fixed but approximately daylight hours.

Address

St Mary
Stoke Abbott
Dorset
DT8 3JT

Notable features of the church include a fine 12th century font believed to depict Noah and his wife, their sons and wives, a 17th century oak pulpit and pews, a memorial roundel by Reynolds Stone (engraver of the Churchill memorial in Westminster Abbey) and a Millennium window by John Hayward. 

The tower (not open to the public) houses a peel of five bells the oldest of which, no. 4, was cast in 1470 by the Exeter Foundry, and a recently restored clock made by the Cloud family in c1700, which strikes the hour but is faceless. A north aisle was added in 1878, itself an interesting example of late Victorian ambition to minister to rural communities. 

Close to the south door stands an ancient yew tree, perhaps providing the arrows for archers to shoot across the valley to the field still named Butts. Until the Reformation Stoke Abbott belonged to Sherborne Abbey.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Social heritage stories

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Wildlife haven

  • Dog friendly

  • On street parking at church

  • Parking within 250m

  • Ramp or level access available on request

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Eucharist 9.30am on first Sunday, Evensong at 6pm on third Sunday of each month.

  • Church of England

  • Partnership Grant, £2,500, 2015

  • Our Partnership Grants funded a range of repair projects, recommended by County Church Trusts, to help keep churches open.

Contact information

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