St. Mary Turnworth
This is one of the Dorset churches that is a must for any Thomas Hardy enthusiast. The tower is 15c. The rest is to an original design by John Hicks (died 1868), but executed by C.R.Crickmay in 1869. Thomas Hardy was an assistant to both Hicks and Crickmay and he is usually credited with the design of the capitals and possibly the bearded heads that form the corbels. Hardy was great friends with the vicar, Thomas Perkins (1893-1907) and would often bicycle out to evensong. There is a lovely description of him reading the lesson 'with the steam rising from his brow after all the exercise on a hot afternoon.'
The font, reredos and pulpit are all of 1869.
The Trust gratefully acknowledges ext by Robin Adeney and Drone Photograhy by Richard Noble. DHCT © 2018
Grants
Churches Nearby
| Ref | Title | Town | Postcode | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Mary | Turnworth | DT11 0EE | 0 | |
| St. Eustace | Ibberton | DT11 0EN | 2 | |
| St. Andrew | Winterborne Houghton | DT11 0PD | 2 | |
| St. Mary | Winterborne Stickland | DT11 0NJ | 2 | |
| St Andrew | Okeford Fitzpaine | DT11 0RD | 2 | |
| St. Aldhelm | Belchalwell | DT11 0EH | 2 | |
| St. Nicholas | Durweston | DT11 0QA | 2 | |
| Holy Rood | Shillingstone | DT11 0SL | 3 | |
| Holy Trinity | Stourpaine | DT11 8TQ | 3 | |
| St. Nicholas | Winterborne Clenston | DT11 0NY | 3 | |
| St. Martin | Bryanston | DT11 0PX | 3 | |
| St. Nicholas | Child Okeford | DT11 8ED | 3 | |
| Church | Hilton | DT11 0DE | 3 | |
| Milton Abbey | Milton Abbas | DT11 0BZ | 4 | |
| St Catherine's Chapel | Milton Abbas | DT11 0BZ | 4 | |
| St James | Milton Abbas | DT11 0BW | 4 | |
| Our Lady of Lourdes & St Cecilia | Blandford Forum | DT11 7BN | 4 | |
| St. Mary | Iwerne Courtney | DT11 8PU | 4 | |
| St. Mary | Shroton | DT11 8PU | 4 | |
| St. Peter and St. Paul | Blandford Forum | DT11 7AF | 4 |