CHURCH MICRO 1132 KNOWLTON, from pagan to Christian, a scenic site of spiritual interest managed by English Heritage in rural North Dorset.
Knowlton Church has Norman origins followed by 14th century remodelling, was attached to a medieval village that was lost to the bubonic plague and, after a subsequent restoration, was finally abandoned in the 18th century. The church fits closely within an inner ditch and a henge or ring bank constructed c2500BC with two entrances, probably intended for ceremonial use.
The ring sits within a wider archaeological complex that spans several millennia. The Neolithic landscape includes four henge monuments (the Church Circle is one), bronze age round barrows (178 or more), a possible long barrow, a pair of parallel ditches or small cursus, later iron age agricultural boundaries and evidence of Roman occupation. As recently as 1995, a severe drought produced dramatic crop marks revealing evidence of henges and many other features in the vicinity. Photographs taken that summer provided the inspiration for an aerial photographic transcription in 2001 to accompany a Bournemouth University field investigation.
References:
- https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/knowlton-church-and-earthworks/
- https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/research/projects/knowlton-prehistoric-landscape-project
In addition to the Knowlton sites, to the east is the Great Barrow, the largest round barrow in Dorset, and the Dorset Cursus, over 6 miles in length, is not far to the west.
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The church is at the above co-ordinates on Lumber Lane, a short distance west of the B3078 from Cranborne to Wimborne. It is a busy spot, parking is limited and the police warn of car thieves abroad, so be vigilant! Have a look round, soak up the atmosphere, reflect on life here over millennia. You are invited to add an imaginative, even amusing photograph to the gallery – your choice!
Next, something for the whole caching team perhaps! Methodically count the fence and gate verticals round the circumference of the ring, starting and finishing with the two small finials closest to the English Heritage sign near the entrance. The answer gives you “AGO” - a three figure number.
Use this to find the cache at: N50.53.(G+A)00; W001.58.(A+A)(A+G)(A+G)
It is not in the rings, but along the lane and easily accessible. There is no need to climb gates or fences nor to access private land from the lane.
Take care to listen and watch for traffic if you walk along the lane and as you look around at GZ.
Take only litter and photographs so that others may enjoy the scene!
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Wimborne St Giles afternoon tea and cakes have been and remain suspended (Aug21) because of Covid-19. We will let you know if/ when they resume so that, if you are out and about on a Sunday or a bank holiday between the second weekend in March and the second weekend in November, don’t miss a visit to the village hall (N50.54.505; W001.57.480).
Look before you leap, or maybe look back a few years!
Jolly TV - Episode 4 - Knowlton Church & Henge with Michael - YouTube .... credit In Jolly Good Company
Knowlton Henge, Dorset, UK - YouTube ... credit Simon Brighton
Jigsaw Puzzle | Knowlton Church | 120 pieces | Jigidi ..... credit Brandreth
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If anybody would like to expand this series please do. We just ask that you contact sadexploration first so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names and avoid duplication.
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Latest updates, to add the above link on 30Aug23 & following relocation of GZ on 10Aug21.
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