St Martin's Church, Wareham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Martin's Church, Wareham |
|
|---|---|
| St Martin's-on-the-walls, Wareham | |
 |
|
| 50°41′20″N 2°06′41″W / 50.6888°N 2.1115°W | |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Martin |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Designated | 7 May 1952 |
| Style | Saxon |
| Years built | circa 1030 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Salisbury |
St Martin's Church, also known as St Martin's-on-the-walls, is a very old church in Wareham, Dorset, England. It was built a long time ago, during the Anglo-Saxon period. This church is special because it's the most complete Anglo-Saxon church you can find in Dorset. It's so important that it's listed as a Grade I building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument, which means it's protected because of its history.
Contents
The Church's Long History
People believe that Saint Aldhelm first started a church here in the 600s. However, this earlier building was likely destroyed by King Canute around the year 1015. The church you see today was built a bit later, around 1030 AD.
What Makes it Anglo-Saxon?
The church still has many features from its Anglo-Saxon past. These include:
- A tall, narrow main hall called a nave.
- A small area near the altar called a chancel.
- Special wall arches in the north-west aisle.
- Signs of an old Saxon door.
Even though the church has been changed and made bigger over the years, the nave and a tiny window on the north side of the chancel are still original parts of the 1030 building.
Ancient Art and Markings
On the north wall of the chancel, there are paintings from the 1100s called frescoes. These paintings show Saint Martin riding a horse with his helpers. He is shown dividing his cloak to give half to a person who needs clothes.
You can also see some red stars painted on one of the walls. Some people think these stars might represent deaths from the Great Plague in the 1600s.
A Place of Refuge and Restoration
In 1762, a huge fire swept through Wareham. During this Great Fire, St Martin's Church was used as a safe place for people who had lost their homes.
Later, the church wasn't used much, but in the early 1900s, work began to fix it up. The church was officially opened again on November 23, 1936.
The Lawrence of Arabia Statue
In the north aisle of the church, there is a stone statue, called an effigy, of T. E. Lawrence. He is famous for his adventures in the Middle East and is often known as Lawrence of Arabia. This statue was made by his friend, Eric Kennington.
Today, St Martin's Church is still an active church. It holds a regular weekly service every Wednesday.
