St Mary the Virgin, Gillingham, Dorset

St Mary the Virgin is a 14th-century church featuring five pointed windows with trefoil heads along the south chancel wall. The building displays a notable Easter Sepulchre archway and combines elements of Decorated Gothic architecture with Victorian-era reconstruction.

The church was built around 1350 and displays architectural elements from the Decorated Gothic period. Major Victorian-era reconstructions were carried out in the 19th century, complementing the original medieval design.

The Chapel of the Good Shepherd and its reredos are memorials to local people who died in the First World War. These tributes shape how the interior feels and show how the community honored those it lost.

Visitors can explore the building during regular opening times and study its various architectural features at their own pace. The location sits within the Blackmore Vale region of north Dorset and is easily accessible on foot.

The interior contains grotesque carvings on the bench ends showing lively faces and fantastical creatures that are often overlooked by casual visitors. These carved details span different periods and reveal the craftsmanship of medieval woodworkers.

Location: North Dorset

Location: Gillingham

Inception: 14 century

Website: http://gillinghamanglican.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.03810,-2.27750

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:44