The History of St. John The Baptist Church

There is a possibility that a small timber church stood on the present site in Saxon times. However the church we know today is thought to have been begun in about the year 1050.

The Church is a veritable treasure trove for Architectural Historians as it contains portions of all the main medieval styles of architecture between the 11th & 16th centuries.

I have split the Church History into Centuries - this should make it easier to explore.

You can either click on the Centuries in the menu on the left or you can use the scroll menu below.

Additionally, use the scroll menu below to look at 5 other historical aspects of the Church; The Church Plate, The Churwardens accounts, historical photographs, historical illustrations, historical floor plans & the names on the War Memorial in the Churchyard.

I would like to thank Fred Pitfield for the use of the historical research from his definitive book on the history of Bere Regis.

You can order the book by sending a cheque for £20 made payable to John Pitfield at POBox 342, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7HR or email him for more info.