| All Saints Church | |
|---|---|
 All Saints Church | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Redundant |
| Year consecrated | 1845 |
| Location | |
| Location | Dorchester,Dorset, England |
 | |
| Geographic coordinates | 50°42′55″N2°26′08″W / 50.7154°N 2.4355°W /50.7154; -2.4355 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect | Benjamin Ferrey |
| Type | Church |
All Saints Church is a formerChurch of England church inDorchester,Dorset, England. Designed byBenjamin Ferrey and built in 1843–45, the church is aGrade II* listed building.[1]
The site of All Saints is considered to have been occupied by a church since the Norman period, although the earliest records date to the 12th century.[2] The original church is believed to have been destroyed by fire in 1613 and subsequently rebuilt. A decision was made to rebuild the church in the mid-19th century, to the designs ofBenjamin Ferrey.[3]
Demolition of the previous church began in August 1843 and the foundation stone of the new one laid by theBishop of Salisbury, the Right Rev.Edward Denison, on 4 October 1843.[4][5] The church's construction was carried out by local labour and assisted by the churchwarden Arthur Henry Dyke Acland, who also acted as "honorary architect".[6]
The new church was consecrated by the Bishop of Salisbury on 7 May 1845. As further funds were required, the church's tower was unfinished and in need of a spire.[6] Work later commenced on heightening the tower in 1851 and the spire was added in 1852.[7][8]
All Saints was made redundant on 13 November 1970 and subsequently sold on 8 November 1972 to Dorchester Borough Council for use as an archaeological store for theDorset County Museum.[9][10]
All Saints is built of local limestone withHam stone ashlar dressings and slate roofs, in theEarly English style. It is made up of a four-bay nave, north and south aisles, chancel, vestry and north-west tower.[1] Much of the church's 1843-45 furnishings were created and gifted by local tradesmen and other benefactors. The octagonal font was carved from a block of Portland stone by Mr. Gregory ofSalisbury. The church contains an arcade of seven arches ofCaen stone, which depict the commandments and texts of Holy Scripture by Mr. William Osmond of Salisbury.[6]
From the earlier church there are preserved the elaborate tomb, with effigy, ofMatthew Chubb (d. 1617) and the achievement of arms ofCharles II.[11]