St Martin's-on-The-Walls — Attraction in Wareham Town

St Martin-on-the-Walls, Wareham. Said to have been founded by St Aldhem in about 700, the present church was built in 1030 by order of King Cnut, who had earlier been responsible for burning it down before his conversion. The tall nave and chancel are original, although the windows are later. A north aisle was added in the 15th century and the south porch in the 16th, later forming the base of a tower built in 1713. The arms of Queen Anne and the Decalogue are painted on the chancel arch, painted over the arms of Charles I, which in turn cover medieval paintings. In the chancel, there is a 12th century mural depicting the story of St Martin of Tours. The north aisle is mostly filled with a recumbent effigy of T E Lawrence (of Arabia) in Arab robes. It was commissioned by his brother, but was refused space in Westminster Abbey, St Paul's and Salisbury Cathedral. The vicar of nearby Moreton, where Lawrence is buried, refused it as he thought it would spoil the look of his church, and the sculpture came to rest...

A beautiful church. Now celebrating 1,000 years this church was built in 1020. The main part of the Nave and all the Chancel are Saxon with addional North aisle which is Norman and West Wall rebuilt in the15th century. The church has frescos dating from the early 12th century telling the story of St Martin on the North Wall of the Chancel and at least 5 layers of frescos above the Chancel arch the latest being the arms of queen Anne 1713 surrounded by the 10 commandments. The church also contains a life-sized effigy of Lawrence of Arabia by Kennington. Lawrence knew and loved this little Church and visited it often even contributing to roof repairs of the Church. St Martin on the Walls is a working church - services every Wednesday 11am. Warm welcome to everyone. Open every day from mid morning to 4pm May close earlier in the winter.well...

This amazing Saxon church holds the sculptor of T.E. Lawrence by Eric Kennington. Lawrence, while living at Clouds Hill, would come to Wareham on his motorbike and frequent a nearby cafe. The small church, just inside the old walls of the town, still has services and is worthy of a visit for its simple architecture as much as to see the amazing sculpture. Opening times are variable and, when closed, the visitor is directed to a nearby shop to...