Lady St Mary Church in Wareham is one of England’s most historically significant Saxon churches, featuring rare Anglo-Saxon architecture, royal connections, and a remarkable effigy. This ancient church dates largely from around 1020 AD and contains some of the finest Saxon work in the country. The nave’s Saxon arcade with its round arches and massive pillars demonstrates Anglo-Saxon building techniques. Most remarkably, the church houses the coffin and effigy of Edward the Martyr, Saxon king murdered in 978 AD at Corfe Castle, whose remains were enshrined here. A 14th-century stone effigy depicts a recumbent king. The church also contains fascinating hexagonal lead font dating from the 12th century, medieval wall paintings, and Lawrence of Arabia’s memorial plaque. The building’s survival through nearly 1,000 years of history, including Viking raids and Civil War damage, testifies to its enduring significance. The peaceful interior invites reflection on Wareham’s Saxon heritage as one of King Alfred’s fortified towns.
Photo by John P Reeves from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Lady St Mary Church, Wareham
Location
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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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