Situated on the side of a country road between Verwood and Wimborne, you’ll find the charismatic and mysterious Knowlton Church and Earthworks.
A peaceful spot that can be explored by all.
Whether you’re passing by or live locally, this interesting site will ignite your imagination.
You’ll wonder what life would have been like back when this small hamlet had a thriving community before the Black Death wiped it out.
The Norman Church was built in the 12th century from stone and flint and remained in use until the 17th century, when the hamlet it had once served was abandoned.
The Black Plague had played a large part in the depopulation of the hamlet, and the surviving villagers moved away, leaving the church unoccupied.
During the 18th century, the building collapsed, and the church was never to be used again.
🔔 A mystery surrounds the church bell, and a popular folklore tale claims that the devil stole the bell and threw it into the River Allen. Villagers tried to retrieve the bell. However, the devil’s grip was too strong and overpowered the men, leaving them to sink to the bottom.
Knowlton Church is much more than an abandoned building in the countryside. It was built in the centre of a Neolithic ritual earthwork.
It is highly unusual for both to be situated together, and although there is said to be thousands of years between the two, it symbolises the transition from pagan to Christian worship.
The earthworks consist of five large circle monuments. Three of them are known as henges.
Unlike more famous henges, such as Stonehenge, this spot is low-key in its appearance and may be easily missed by some.
The most preserved henge at Knowlton is known as Church Henge and is maintained by the English Heritage.
There are said to be over 100 henges in Britain and Ireland, dating back to around 3000 BC to 2000 BC.
They are believed to serve multiple functions, primarily ceremonial and religious purposes.
📸 This area is best viewed from above, making it a popular spot for aerial photography.
Within the area, several barrows were used as burial sites for the dead.
Here is home to the largest in the county, named The Great Barrow, with various smaller barrows and ditches located within the vicinity.
Numerous tales of ghosts create an atmospheric experience, as Knowlton is renowned as one of the most haunted places in Dorset.
Paranormal groups are said to have been surrounded by a mist while investigating the area, as well as hearing the sound of voices nearby.
Nuns are often seen praying, and a ghostly face is said to appear at the top window of the tower.
Meanwhile, others have reported seeing a horse and rider charging through, as well as a phantom figure appearing from out of nowhere and disappearing just as quickly.
Whether you’re a believer or not, you can’t deny the almost eerie feeling of the abandoned ruins located near The Great Barrow.
Today, you can explore the church’s shell, taking in the peaceful countryside atmosphere — and perhaps even catch a glimpse of a ghost or two.
There is limited parking along the road opposite the entrance, and dogs on leads are welcome.
Visiting this hidden gem will not disappoint, from the tales of folklore to the picturesque countryside and numerous photo opportunities.
🎀 Don’t miss out on adding a ribbon to the wishing tree, adding to the fun of the day.
Have fun exploring!
To find out more about Knowlton Church, visit the English Heritage website here.
📍 Knowlton, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 5AE
