All Saints Church is the parish church for the village of Gussage All Saints in Dorset. It's a Grade I listed building with a long and layered architectural history, primarily reflecting the Early English and Decorated Gothic styles.
Medieval Origins: The church's main body, including the nave and chancel, dates largely to the early 14th century. The walls are constructed from a mix of local flint, rubble, and various types of stone, including Shaftesbury Sandstone and Heathstone.
The Tower: The impressive west tower was built in several stages. Its lower part dates to the 14th century, while the upper stages and embattled parapet were added in the 15th century. The tower is particularly distinctive for its use of alternating bands of flint and ashlar stone.
Victorian Restoration: Like many English churches, All Saints underwent a significant Victorian restoration. In 1864, architect Ewan Christian carried out extensive work. A notable change from this period was the moving of the original medieval chancel arch to the north wall, where it now frames the organ. A new chancel arch was then built by the architect John Hicks, who was a mentor to the famous novelist Thomas Hardy.

Mike The Mooching Minister.

August 8, 2025

Interior Details: The interior is known for its high-quality flint work on the tower walls and a range of interesting features:
Pulpit: A magnificent 15th-century pulpit is a central feature.
Font: A 12th-century font is another medieval survival.
Tomb Recess: Against the north wall, there is a canopied tomb recess from the 14th century. For a long time, it was thought to be a rare "Easter Sepulchre," but a skeleton was found inside during the 1860s restoration, suggesting it was a tomb.
Organ: The church's organ is a fascinating piece of its history. An 18th-century Walker organ, it was gifted to the church and is said to have been used for choir practice at Westminster Abbey before its installation here.
The church, set on a rise at the north-west corner of the village, is part of the "Knowlton Circle Benefice," which also includes nearby parishes like Cranborne and Wimborne St Giles, both of which are included on this cycle route.

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Elevation 110 m

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Wednesday 17 December

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Location: Gussage All Saints, East Dorset, Dorset, South West England, England, United Kingdom

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