Weight: 476 lbs Diameter: 27.5" Bell 1 of 2
Founded by John Wallis 1610
Dove Bell ID: 62213 Tower ID: 24735 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Whitcombe
Overview
Grid reference: SY 716 883
The church is quite low in comparison to its length, and there is no external division between nave and chancel; the principal material is squared Portland stone rubble, with dressings of ashlar and some use of Ham Hill stone. The roof coverings are of tiles and stone slates; the tower roof is of lead.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Nave, chancel, west tower and south porch.
Description of Archaeology and History
The fabric of the nave is basically 12th century, though it is thought to incorporate some pre-Conquest masonry at the west end and was partly refaced in the late 15th century; part of the south nave wall, east of the south doorway, was rebuilt in the 18th century and contains a timber-framed window of net time. Chancel and south porch are late 15th century: the east window, however, is restored and re-set late 13th century work consisting of three tall graduated lancets. The north and south chancel windows, and the south-west nave window, are late 15th century.
The tower was added, or rebuilt, in the 16th century. Its roof features inscriptions and scratchings which include the dates 1647, 1681 and Thomas Feuer, 1776.
In the centre of the north wall is a blocked 12th century doorway with a plain semi-circular head; the south doorway ie similar, but a lower arch has been built below the original rear arch. The door itself is 17th century, consisting of three vertical boards and four moulded rails with decorated strap-hinges.
In 1912 the church was restored in memory of the Dorset poet, William Barnes, who was incumbent of the living and is said to have preached his first and last sermons here.
Exterior Description
The church is quite low in comparison to its length, and there is no external division between nave and chancel; the principal material is squared Portland stone rubble, with dressings of ashlar and some use of Ham Hill stone. The roof coverings are of tiles and stone slates; the tower roof is of lead. The tower consists of three stories divided externally by string courses into two stages. There is an embattled parapet and diagonal corner buttresses with a stair-turret in the south-east corner. The upper storey of the tower has shall square headed openings with stone louvres pierced by quatrefoils, that on the south being dated 1596.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
Late 15th Century
North chancel window contains two late 15th century quarries with a rayed sun and double rose.
Stained Glass
South chancel window is a quarry inscribed ID 1807.
Interior
Interior Description
The interior walls are plastered and the nave has a plaster ceiling with canted sides; the chancel ceiling is a boarded barrel vault, probably 19th century.
Fixtures and fittings
Font (object)
Early 13th Century
An octagonal bowl of Purbeck marble, each face having arched panels; the circular stem has modern detached shafts.
Table
1637
With turned and moulded lags an enriched rails, inscribed with the name of the donor and the date 1637.
Rail
17th Century
Wall Painting
15th Century
St. Christopher: in a red robe, the Christ Child seated on his left shoulder, and in the background a mermaid with comb and glass. Eeast of blocked north doorway.
Wall Painting
Early 14th Century
Arcading of seven bays in yellow ochre and red outlin enclosing faint traces of figure painting.
Bells
Weight: 616 lbs Diameter: 30.5" Bell 2 of 2
Founded by John Wallis 1610
Dove Bell ID: 62214 Tower ID: 24735 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: SY 716 883
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | N/A |
| Solar Thermal Panels | N/A |
| Biomass | N/A |
| Wind Turbine | N/A |
| Air Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ev Charging | N/A |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
Submit a change
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