Martinstown
The siting of this church, in the middle of the village, yet set slightly back from its own green and among majestic trees, has been carefully done and the resulting scene is most attractive.
Like so many others in the county, the building has evolved over the centuries. The original was built in 12c, but it was rebuilt in the perpendicular style when the tower was added in 15c and finally ‘restored’ in 1905.
The piers and arches of the nave are early Norman as is the square font (about 1125) with its interesting later cover. The Chantry of St. Martin was founded in 1367 and was probably in the north aisle where the Lady Chapel now is. The present pulpit is sadly a cut-down version of the original three decker of 1626. The wall panelling was fashioned from the old family pews when they were removed to make way for more modern seating.
The chancel is a good example of a ‘droop’, although according to the excellent little church guide, there is apparently no documentary evidence to confirm it. The inclination to the northeast symbolises Christ’s drooping head on the Cross.
Note the very rare George II (died 1760) hatchment; most are George III or later.
The Trust gratefully acknowledges text by Robin Adeney and Drone Photography byRichard Noble. DHCT © 2018
Ref | Title | Town | Postcode | Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
St. Martin | Martinstown | DT2 9JR | 0 | |
St. Michael and All Angels | Winterbourne Steepleton | DT2 9LG | 1 | |
St. Mary | Winterbourne Abbas | DT2 9LW | 2 | |
St. Laurence | Upwey | DT3 5QE | 2 | |
St Mary the Virgin | Dorchester | DT1 2HL | 3 | |
St. Mary | Bradford Peverell | DT2 9SB | 3 | |
St. Simon and St. Jude | Winterborne Monkton | DT2 9PU | 3 | |
Church | Stratton | DT2 9RU | 3 | |
Church | Charminster | DT2 9RD | 3 | |
St. Peter | Portesham | DT3 4HP | 3 | |
Holy Trinity | Bincombe | DT3 5PT | 4 | |
St. Peter | Winterborne Came | DT2 8NT | 4 | |
St. Michael & All Angels | Littlebredy | DT2 9HG | 4 | |
Saint Mary's | Frampton | DT2 9ND | 4 | |
St. Nicholas | Buckland Ripers | DT3 4BT | 4 | |
St. Michael | Stinsford | DT2 8XW | 4 | |
The Church | Whitcombe | DT2 8NY | 4 | |
St. Thomas of Canterbury | Compton Valence | DT2 9ER | 4 | |
St. Peters | Langton Herring | DT3 4HU | 5 | |
St. Andrew | West Stafford | DT2 8AD | 5 |
DHCT C/o Porter Dodson, 53 High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1UX
282790