St Dunstan of Canterbury Orthodox Church

St Dunstan of Canterbury is a church in Parkstone built in Byzantine Revival style with distinctive architectural features. The west front displays a central double door topped by a terracotta arch, with polygonal turrets and a 12-division wheel window.

Construction took place between 1904 and 1927 as a collaborative effort by architects G.A.B. Livesay, Edward Prior, and Arthur Grove. The building became Prior's final major church design and received Grade II* listing status.

The church serves the Antiochian Orthodox community and maintains Byzantine rite traditions in its worship and celebrations. Visitors experience a different form of Christian practice with distinctive liturgical elements and sacred chanting.

The church is accessed through its distinctive west front which is clearly visible from the street in Parkstone. It is advisable to check opening times in advance as the building follows a specific schedule for services and visits.

The building incorporates handmade Wareham bricks and reinforced concrete dome construction, unusual choices for a church of its era. These constructive innovations reveal experimental approaches to traditional architectural forms.

Location: Poole

Location: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Inception: 1927

Architectural style: Byzantine Revival architecture

Website: http://saint-dunstan.org

GPS coordinates: 50.72440,-1.93861

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:27