Bere Regis - St John the Baptist

The earliest fragments of the present structure date from around 1050, late in the Anglo-Saxon period. This was a cross-shaped church. In the 12th century a south aisle a little later the north aisle was added.

A century later the church got extended both eastwards and westwards. It was not until the 16th century that the church got its west tower. Local stones were used to create a chequerboard effect.

The church's most prominent feature is its 15th-century hammerbeam roof. It is carved from oak and is said to have been a gift from Cardinal Morton. Among its many decorations are life-sized figures of the twelve apostles.


The font bowl is 12th centuryNorman with a Victorian stem. Across the top are medallions with flowers and around the side are interlacing arcades.