SU0210 : Knowlton church and earthworks [3]

Photo by Michael Dibb from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Knowlton Church and Earthworks

📍 Cranborne Chase

Knowlton Church and Earthworks is one of England’s most atmospheric and mystical ancient sites, where a ruined 12th-century Norman church sits dramatically within the centre of a massive Neolithic henge monument. This extraordinary juxtaposition of pagan and Christian heritage creates a hauntingly beautiful landscape that has captured imaginations for centuries. The henge, part of the Knowlton Circles complex, dates back over 4,000 years and was a significant ceremonial centre in prehistoric times. The roofless church, abandoned in the 18th century, stands as a romantic ruin with Gothic arches framing the Dorset sky. The site is managed by English Heritage and freely accessible, offering visitors a powerful sense of England’s deep, layered history. The earthworks and surrounding farmland provide excellent walking opportunities and the site is particularly magical at dawn or dusk.

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SU0210 : Knowlton church and earthworks [3] SU0210 : Knowlton church and earthworks [2] SU0210 : Knowlton church and earthworks [5] SU0210 : Knowlton church and earthworks [4] SU0210 : Knowlton church and earthworks [1] SU0210 : Knowlton Church, Woodlands SU0210 : Knowlton Church and Earthworks SU0210 : Knowlton: church and earthworks SU0210 : Knowlton: church and Neolithic earthwork SU0210 : Norman chancel arch, Knowlton Church SU0210 : Knowlton: church and earthworks sign SU0210 : Knowlton Church SU0210 : Mound to the east of Knowlton Church, Woodlands SU0210 : Knowlton Church, seen from the Neolithic earthworks SU0210 : Knowlton church

Gallery images from Geograph Britain and Ireland, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hover over images to see photographer credits.

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