St Peter's Church

St Peter's Church is a medieval church in Dorchester with a 15th-century west tower that rises above the High Street shops. The walls are built from Portland and Ham stone, and the interior holds medieval monuments and carved architectural details.

The building was constructed in 1420 and contains elements from a 12th-century Norman structure in its south section. This shows how the church replaced an earlier religious site on the same location.

The church serves as a focal point for community worship and shows its role through regular services and musical performances throughout the year. Visitors can experience how the space remains actively used by local worshippers today.

The building is open daily during daylight hours, allowing visitors to explore the interior and view the historical monuments inside. Its location on High Street makes it easy to find and visit.

The church interior holds a memorial to Thomas Hardy dated 1599, not related to the famous novelist of the same name. This earlier Thomas Hardy was a local figure whose name later became associated with a celebrated author.

Location: Dorchester

Inception: 1420

GPS coordinates: 50.71540,-2.43694

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:42