English Heritage sites near Stratton Parish
THE NINE STONES
3 miles from Stratton Parish
Now in a wooded glade, this small prehistoric circle of nine standing stones was constructed around 4,000 years ago and is surrounded by a mysterious air. Winterbourne Poor Lot Barrows are nearby.
MAIDEN CASTLE
4 miles from Stratton Parish
Among the largest and most complex of Iron Age hillforts in Europe, Maiden Castle’s huge multiple ramparts enclose an area the size of 50 football pitches and once protected hundreds of residents.
WINTERBOURNE POOR LOT BARROWS
4 miles from Stratton Parish
A 'cemetery' of 44 Bronze Age burial mounds of varying types and sizes, straddling the A35 main road.
KINGSTON RUSSELL STONE CIRCLE
6 miles from Stratton Parish
A late Neolithic or early Bronze Age circle of 18 fallen stones, on a hilltop overlooking Abbotsbury and the sea.
ABBOTSBURY ABBEY REMAINS
7 miles from Stratton Parish
Part of a monastic building, perhaps the abbot’s lodging, of Benedictine Abbotsbury Abbey, Henry VIII ordered its destruction during the Dissolution in 1538. St Catherine's Chapel is nearby.
ABBOTSBURY, ST CATHERINE'S CHAPEL
8 miles from Stratton Parish
Set high on a hilltop overlooking Abbotsbury Abbey, this sturdily buttressed and barrel-vaulted 14th-century chapel was built by monks as a place of pilgrimage and retreat.
Churches in Stratton Parish
Stratton: St Mary the Virgin
Dorchester Road
Stratton
Dorchester
(01305) 263761
http://www.strattondorset.org
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ST. MARY'S CHURCH, STRATTON
The original Norman church was built in about 1140.
It was of the type common in villages of the period, a long narrow building with a roof of thatch or shingles of wood.
Of the 13th Century Early English church, which succeeded the Norman building, the Porch, the Chancel Arch (now behind the organ), the Hagioscope (Squint) and the Font remain. The Squint is now filled in.
The Tower is 14th Century and houses five bells.
Early in the 15th Century the present flamboyant windows were inserted into the south wall. In the heads of the windows are fragments of old painted glass � the Sacred Monogram and the Monogram of St. Mary the Virgin. Another window features the Tudor Rose of Henry VII.
The removal of plaster from the walls disclosed paintings of different dates in every part of the church. In the gable at the east end above the ceiling was discovered the Coat of Arms of Charles I with the motto "�Feare God, Honour thy King' painted above it.
The enclosed wooden staircase leading to the clock and bell chambers is thought to be unique, dating from the Tudor period.
It is recorded that before the dissolution of the Monasteries during Henry VIII's reign, the Monks from Cerne Abbas would preach at the ancient Stone Cross, the remains of which are within the churchyard.
The church was largely rebuilt in 1890-1891 under the leadership of the Rev. J. C. Prior, Vicar of Charminster.
At that time, St. Mary's, Stratton was a chapel dependent on Charminster.
St. Mary's, Stratton was joined with Bradford Peverell in 1931 and with Frampton and Sydling St. Nicholas in 1977.
The Registers of Baptisms, Marriages and Burials date from 1561 and are held at the Dorset History Centre in Dorchester.
SAFEGUARDING POLICY:
St. Mary's Church, Stratton takes its responsibilities surrounding the safeguarding of children, young people, and adults who may be at risk very seriously, and works in partnership with the Diocese of Salisbury to ensure that we work in accordance with best practice at all times.
If you have any Safeguarding questions or concerns you can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, on 07500 664800
For more information about Safeguarding, please scroll down to bottom of page and click on 'Safeguarding'.
Pubs in Stratton Parish
Saxon Arms
20 The Square, Stratton, DT2 9WG
(01305) 260020
thesaxon-stratton.co.uk