St Martin's Church, Wareham: interior

Built a few decades before the Norman Conquest (in 1066), this Saxon church is the oldest building in Wareham. It underwent several alterations and additions up until the 16th century.

This view from the chancel towards the nave (i e from East to West) shows the Saxon chancel and chancel arch with a squint to either side, (both of which are of a much later date). The wall painting is 12th century.

After the Great Fire of Wareham (1762) the church was used as a temporary home for the numerous town residents whose houses had been destroyed. You can see the chimney built at the time above the fire used by them for cooking.

The church houses a fine stone effigy of T. E. Lawrence - Lawrence of Arabia - in Arab dress, carved by his friend and contemporary Eric Kennington. Lawrence is buried in Moreton, a village about ten miles to the West of Wareham.