Knowlton Church and Earthworks

Knowlton Church stands at the centre of a much older Neolithic henge, bringing two very different periods of worship together in a single Dorset field. The ruined church was built in the 12th century from stone and flint, and the outline of its former roof can still be traced on the eastern wall. Around it, the earthwork enclosure makes the relationship between the medieval building and its prehistoric setting easy to see. This is a compact place to explore, with the interest lying in that unusual arrangement and the surviving fabric rather than a collection of indoor displays. Visitors often describe the quiet atmosphere and wide skies as the most memorable parts of a visit. Parking is very limited in the layby on Lumber Lane, and the gated approach leads onto uneven ground that can become muddy. Dogs on leads are welcome.