Architectural Features
C17 south aisle and south porch 1871, chancel remodelled 1872, vestry late C19/early C20.
1610 work for Sir Thomas Freke.
Greensand ashlar walls with tiled roofs having end stone copings with C17 finials.
North aisle and south chapel windows are C17 of 3 graduated lancets under a pointed head with returned labels, that to the south aisle is aC19 copy.
North and south chancel walls have C14 2-light windows with ogee quatrefoils.
C14 pointed door to south chancel wall.
Interior: North aisle has C17, 3 bay, segmented pointed arcade on piers with 4 attached shafts separated by a continuous hollow chamfer.
Those to the nave and south aisle have carved bosses and the nave roof has carved angles at the springing point of the ribs.
The south chapel has a 3-bay arch-braced collar beam roof with carved bosses.
There are carved bosses and the wall plate bears paterae.
The principals spring from C19 foliage carved corbels.
North aisle partitioned with C17 screen to form Freke chapel.
Above is an enriched entablature with carved heads surmounted by a strapwork cresting.
C17, C18 and C19 monuments and floor slabs notably that to Sir Thomas Freke and his wife Elizabeth, 1633.
This huge monument to Sir Thomas Freke dominates the confines of the north aisle chapel where it was erected by his two sons Raufe and William in 1654. Pevsner describes the carving of the figures as 'inept if lovable'.
This has open segmental pediment, sculptured pediment and carved putti, angels, doves etc. Other fittings and furnishings largely Cl9.
The church is an interesting example of C17 Gothic work with affinities with the chapel at Higher Melcombe House, also for Sir Thomas Freke.
It is, however, stylistically unlike the series of C17 north Dorset Churches including Folke, Ryme Intrinsica and Leweston (RCHM Dorset, vol III, p 126/7, no 1 Newman and Pevsner N. The Buildings of England: Dorset, Penguin 19?2j p 236/7).