Founded in the 12th century , the Abbey Church is all that remains of the original abbey. However what does remain , is well worth stopping at . There is a shrine to st Birinus , a number of wonderful tombs , a 12thc font, medieval Wall paintings and wonderful stained glass. Pretty much something for everyone. Just outside the church is a museum and cafe (unfortunately not open on my visit) . There is parking and toilets nearby, and the village itself is full of interesting buildings. A wonderful visit.
Beautiful abbey. Well worth a look if you're in the area
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It was great to visit the Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul or Dorchester Abbey as it is better known .
If for no other reason, it was the Bishopric of one Saint Birinus since 634 when he arrived and the Abbey was founded 55 years later and dedicated to Peter and Paul and Birinus himself .
Now, Birinus could be described as a posh Saint Cedd who drew the short straw and got Essex whilst he himself got Wessex . I must say before I get called names, I myself hail from the wonderful Dagenham and would have it no other way .
Well, both these heroes of the cloth gave it their best shot at guiding the locals to the light . There is a shrine to Birinus here today and I believe it holds relics of his .
He himself successfully converted King Cynegils and baptised him perhaps with a little help from Saint Oswald King of Northumbria .
There are some great wall paintings in here and also some great stained glass . There is also a union flag here which has a very interesting though tragic tale to tell .
I personally loved a very simple wooden cross hung against a whitewashed wall . Simple is often the best in my opinion .
Outside it is very picturesque and peaceful as is the village and surrounding countryside .
There is a memorial on a wall to Sir Winston Churchill which states the great east window was restored by American friends of Dorchester Abbey .
I enjoyed my visit and believe you will too if you can get here .
Really enjoyed visiting this picturesque and historical village with lovely walks.
It is a popular tourist destination.
Midsomer murders regularly filmed in Dorchester.
Dorchester Abbey , is the parish church of Dorchester-on-Thames.
This is one of only two surviving monastic churches from Oxfordshire.
Can't believe there's suxmch a large abbey in such a small place.
Took my grandaughter to see Peter Barnes' Last Supper sculpture. I was really surprised to see how it engaged my grandaughter. Made from 50,000 computer leyboard keys, it engages on many levels, the touch, finding words, names and sentences.... super! Will return.
Such amazing history
Loved the school desks in the museum
A beautiful Abbey. We went to hear our granddaughter sing with her school choir & other primary schools. A lovely evening ☺
Abbey has interesting history.. had a lovely welcome. Local People give us coffee and biscuits. Learned a lot about the history of the Abbey. The cloister gallery is a good idea. Many thanks for the welcome. Shirley and Paul
Such a beautiful Abbey will visit again soon xx
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