ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, MARSHWOOD
A Brief History
The original church for the Parish of Marshwood was a Norman chapel enclosed within the moat at Marshwood Castle, the Castle being held by the Barony of Mandeville of Marshwood. The site is now part of Lodge House Farm, only part of the moat and banks being visible.
By 1640 the Manor had passed to Lord Poulet who, unfortunately, was loyal to his King. Both Manor and Church were allowed to fall into ruin. A reference was found in Hutchings for 1650 "when Marshwood was destitute of a minister for want of sufficient maintenance". For approximately 200 years Marshwood was an outlying parish attached to Whitchurch Canonicorum.
In 1840 Charles Benjamin Tucker gave land for a new church. This was dedicated by the Bishop of Norwich, acting for the Bishop of Salisbury, on 26th September 1841. By 1884, St. Mary's was in need of extensive "Restoration". The Nave and Chancel were restored by G. Vialls, only the tower is earlier. See tablets on North Wall.
The church is well proportioned with good acoustics. By local tradition the chancel pews and red wall lights are ascribed to Thomas Hardy, then an assistant architect. The stained glass was supplied by H. Foxwell of Lyme Regis, who has signed his name on two of the windows.
Until 1950 the top of the tower was finished with stone crenellations. See small photo at the back of the church. Then the Rev. Earl (curate) decided that the top of the tower was over-decorated, "Like icing on a cake", and had them replaced by the present plain blocks.
Church and School Working Together
In May 2000 Miss Giles, Head Teacher, Ian Gillespie, Churchwarden, and the PCC compiled a 'school and church' plan. The school to have much needed extra space during the week, and the congregation to gain comfort and warmth for their Sunday worship.
The old rotting wooden floor and the unstable pews were removed. A new floor installed and carpeted. Radiators and an oil fired boiler are now in place. The church is warm and dry. There are 36 soft upholstered chairs for regular use and 60 stacking chairs when needed. The Chancel remained unchanged.
On Thursday 3rd October 2002 the church was rededicated by the Bishop of Salisbury, The Rt. Rev Dr. David Stancliffe.
The children of Marshwood School now use the church for lessons, PE activities, music, drama, end of term concerts and leaving services; to which the villagers are always welcome.
In addition to Sunday worship, the church members have used the new layout to show arts and crafts and hobbies; and also enjoy fund raising at coffee mornings.
This venture has been of great benefit to both school and church.