Dorset Churches - Wimborne Minster Church

The Minster  stands at the centre of Wimborne  and is a homely, squat edifice while around it  the town's Georgian buildings gather like an eager congregation. 
No soaring Gothic spires here..though there was a soaring spire, but it collapsed four hundred years ago. 

The fabric of the church is mainly Norman though the site is much older and has been renovated several times in the intervening centuries, including a very thorough renovation in the 1850's.

Remnants of medieval wall painting

Even so there is still a lot to see including an ancient chained library and a colourful 14thC clock, while close to the altar lies the tomb of Margaret Beaufort mother of Henry VII and a benefactor.

.

 Roof of the tower

A small fragment of the pre-reformation painting which would have originally embellished the church from wall to ceiling remains; and in one wall stands the sarcophagus of Anthony Ettricke who decreed his burial place be neither in the open or under the church. 

Death amended 

The result being he was buried half in and half out of the church. He also became convinced he would shuffle off 1693. Embarrassingly for him he turned out to be ten years too early in his prediction meaning a last minute amendment to the coffin's inscription.

The 13thC clock