Knowlton Church

This ruin of a 12th century church with a 15th century tower is set in a very ancient monument, probably a henge. Henges are thought to be religious centres and if so, this was perpetuated when a Christian Church was built replacing, perhaps, the earlier shrine. An irregular circular ditch and an upstanding outer bank, in places more than 3 m high, are the remains of this remarkable monument. Although some people find a curious and spooky atmosphere pervading the site, others find the place quite restful and peaceful.


The earthwork is surrounded by many circular enclosures, which can only be seen from the air as soil or crop-marks and near by, to the east is the ‘Great Barrow’, thought to be the largest barrow in Dorset. Photo taken in July 1997. FR230/26


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