Tarrant Crawford Church and surrounding countryside Heritage

Tarrant Crawford Church is tucked away and undiscovered and yet it has remarkable murals painted on its interior.

St Mary’s Church is the jewel of Tarrant Crawford, and one of the most interesting in Dorset, despite its small size. It was originally dedicated to All Saints, in about 1170, when it was given to the Anchoresses, together with the Manse and the Mill, by Ralph de Kahaines.

The main walls and the chancel were built in the 12th century and into the 13th. The tower houses three bells, two of them medieval and one 17th century.
The thing which most attracts people to this church, however, is the set of ancient wall paintings, most of which date from the 14th Century which cover most of the aisleless nave. Particularly impressive is the south wall of the nave, which is divided into two by a horizontal band. Above the band is a series of 14 scenes from the life of St. Margaret of Antioch, complete except for the last two - said to be the most extensive and complete such sequence in England.

Directions

Tarrant Crawford can be found right off the Wimborne Road leaving Blandford. The Church is not the easiest place to find, tucked away about half a mile up a farm track and, although visitors to the church are allowed to drive up the track (marked in brown on the map), parking is very limited.

Additional Information

"I live in Tarrant Keynston, every day we villagers do this walk, yet it is mostly unknown. Taking the footpath which bares left just past Tarrant Keynston village church by a small waterfall the path follows the charming River Tarrant to Tarrant Crawford Church (St Marys) In this area, in around 1200, was built the once great Tarrant Crawford Abbey, where reputedly the first book in the English Language was written. The original Barns with their hammer beam roofs are still to be seen. (Privately owned). Its immenesly peaceful and pastoral and a sense of history pervails." Hidden Dorset Nominee

Images with thanks to Anthony Houghton ©2007

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