possibly the 2nd oldest building in dorset

...the met office's script could hardly have been more accurate. A short window of sunshine was promised from dawn to mid morning, which we took advantage of with a walk on Studland beach. By midday, it was drizzling steadily and, by mid afternoon, we were in the middle of a rainstorm that was accompanied by gale-force winds.

Of all church architecture, we think the Romanesque style is the most interesting.

The Parish Church of St Nicholas is Saxon in origin and was probably originally built 1300 years ago, however, what we see today, was constructed in 1050 on older foundations. It is believed to be for this reason that the tower is not very tall. Further work was carried out in the 12th century. The porch was added in the 17th century. By 1880, the building was in a perilous state and in very real danger of collapsing. It was serendipitous that the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings had just been formed and we can be grateful that their expertise and advice helped ensure that this historic, if not exactly beautiful, church has been preserved with such integrity. Internally, there are many magnificent Norman details. One of the ancient stone carvings is often seen to raise an eyebrow or two as it depicts a couple involved in a very intimate moment.

The Bankes family, originally of Corfe Castle and now of Kingston Lacey, had their dacha just across from the church - it is now the Manor House Hotel. There are many members of the Bankes family interred within the churchyard. Just below the church can be found the very popular Bankes Arms Country Inn, which hosts an excellent annual beer festival and is home to the Purbeck Brewery.

Today, the churchyard was full of snowdrops, daffodils and primroses in full flower...