Monkton Parish Church
The small parish church (dedicated to St Simon & St Jude according to Draper 1996 or St Michael & St Jude, acording to Newman & Pevsner 1972) lies on a rise slightly apart from the main group of houses and amongst trees. It mainly dates from the 13th century [Draper 1996] apart from the northern doorway, which is Norman [Newman & Pevsner 1972] and the tower and windows, which are 16th century [Draper 1996]. It was 'over-restored' [Bingham 1987] in 1870 [English Heritage 2004] and was given Grade II* listing for its architectural and historic interest in 1956 [English Heritage 2004].
It contains a 'moving and unusual' [Bingham 1987] effigy of Ellerie Williams, of Herringston House. It is described by Newman & Pevsner [1972] as showing a 'recumbent maiden in bed, her hair down, the blanket not too tidy, her nightgown with lace borders showing. It is rather Parisian in style'. It is signed 'Alex Eliot 1875' - Major-General Sir Alexander Elliott [Newman & Pevsner 1972] who married into the Williams family.
More information on the font is to be found in the Martinstown website (by clinking links >village >village >font >Winterborne Monkton).
The son of Dorset poet William Barnes, William Miles Barnes, was rector for the parish between 1866 and 1908 [Draper 1996] and is buried with his wife in the churchyard at the rear of the church. The church is kept locked but a key is available from one of the village cottages.