The Church of St Mary the Virgin in Tarrant Crawford, Dorset, is a historically significant church with roots dating back to the 12th century. It sits in a picturesque valley, a little distance from the village itself. This church is notable as it is all that remains of the once-wealthy Tarrant Abbey, a Cistercian nunnery.

Mike Cree

May 24, 2025

Abbey Origins: The church was likely a lay chapel to Tarrant Abbey, which was founded in the late 11th century by Ralph de Kahaines and refounded in 1228 (or 1230/1233) as a Cistercian nunnery by Bishop Richard Poore.
* Bishop Richard Poore: A prominent figure, Bishop Richard Poore was baptized in Tarrant Crawford and went on to become Bishop of Chichester, Salisbury, and Durham. He is credited with planning and building Salisbury Cathedral from 1219. He was buried in Tarrant Crawford in 1237, and his coffin lid, made of Purbeck Marble and bearing a cross, is still within the church.

Mike Cree

May 24, 2025

Queen Joan of Scotland: Another notable figure associated with the Abbey and church is Queen Joan, daughter of King John and wife of Alexander II of Scotland. She was also buried at Tarrant Crawford shortly after Bishop Poore's death, and her reputed coffin lid is also found in the church.
Architecture and Features:
* Dating and Materials: The church's chancel dates to the 12th century, with the nave and tower having 13th-century elements. The upper part of the tower and the porch are 15th-century, and the nave roof is early 16th-century. The construction primarily uses flint, with dressings of Upper Greensand, Tertiary heathstone, and Wardour Portland white oolite.

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Elevation 50 m

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Location: Tarrant Crawford, North Dorset, Dorset, South West England, England, United Kingdom

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