St Edwards Church

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."

1 Peter 4:10

A Brief History

The Church was probably built during the 12th century. The earliest known incumbent is recorded in 1280. It was named after St Edward the Martyr who was murdered on 18th March 978 on the orders of Queen Alfthryth, his stepmother. The story goes that his body was hidden in a hovel where a blind woman discovered it. Her sight was restored when she found the body. This is where the present church stands. The early church consisted of a nave, chancel, a narrow north aisle and a large north porch and was enlarged during the 13th century with an additional aisle.

During the Civil War (1642-1646), Parliamentary troops stationed themselves inside the church using the church as stabling for their horses and men. Much damage was caused – church records were burnt, the door was used in battle and masonry used for target practice. Shot marks can still be seen both inside and outside the church.

In 1859-60, the church under went a major restoration mainly because the walls were bulging out by a foot (30cms) so all the walls were pulled down, apart from the tower, and rebuilt. Galleries that had been installed in the 18th century were removed and the church re-roofed. The east window was replaced and all the chest tombs removed to create more space. It was re-consecrated on 23rd June 1860 and it poured with rain the whole day so the festivities had to be postponed.

Visit the Church Website for further information

How we engage with our local church:

We are very fortunate to be supported by a lot of local clergy during our collective worship and particularly by Reverend Ian Jackson, the reverend at St Edward, King and Martyr Church, Corfe Castle.

Rev. Ian Jackson will lead us through our Easter, Christmas and Harvest services which are held annually at the church. Where possible, we engage in other ways, such as attending the Remembrance Day service on the Sunday as school representatives. In 2022, over 30 representatives of the school community attended (staff, parents, pupils, parent council, PTFA members and governors); and by singing and performing at the Christmas Charity Concert in early December.