St Mary's Church Cerne Abbas

Images of Britain: St Mary's Church, Cerne Abbas

St Mary's Church, Cerne Abbas, Dorset. — St Mary's Church, Cerne Abbas, Dorset

The Church of St Mary in Cerne Abbas, Dorset dates originally from the 13th century or early 14th century, when the abbey provided the parish church for the villagers. However, it was mostly rebuilt in the 15th and early 16th centuries and again reconstructed in the 17th century. These modifications introduced the perpendicular Gothic style seen in its tower and nave. The tower has a peal of 6 bells with the oldest dating from 1631. It has several grotesque carvings here and there.

The 17th-century pulpit and the great stained glass east window from the abbey are its major highlights. The window is believed to date from 1480 and is from the chantry chapel of the nearby abbey.

Also of note is the beautifully structured wooden roof, adorned with intricate angel figures, a testament to the craftsmanship of the period. The church also houses a 15th-century font and several medieval wall paintings, though many have faded over time.

The central nave of the Church of St Mary. — The central nave of the Church of St Mary

Two memorial brass tablets in the floor of the nave are dated from 1612 and 1626 and refer to the Notley family, early settlers in America. They owned land in Washington called Cerne Abbey Manor which is now the site of Capitol Hill.

Address: Abbey Street, Cerne Abbas, Dorset, England, DT2 7JQ