History and features St Martin's Church, Wareham

t. e. lawrence effigy

the church reputed have been founded saint aldhelm in 7th century. thought earlier building destroyed cnut great in 1015. present building dates ad 1030. anglo-saxon features include tall, narrow nave , chancel, late anglo-saxon wall-arcading in north west aisle , traces of saxon door. building has been altered , expanded on years nave , tiny window in north side of chancel original features. on north wall of chancel 12th-century frescoes depicting saint martin on horseback, escorted attendants, dividing cloak , giving 1 half naked beggar.

on 1 of walls number of red stars have been painted, possibly representing plague deaths in 17th century.

during great fire of wareham in 1762 church used temporary refuge had lost homes. later church fell disuse @ beginning of 20th century programme of restoration began , church rededicated on 23 november 1936.

in north aisle sits stone effigy of t. e. lawrence (lawrence of arabia), created friend eric kennington.

the church still in use, regular weekly communion on wednesdays.