St. Mary, Moor Crichel, Dorset

Description

The parish church of St. Mary, situated in the north-east corner of Critchel House, is of stone in the Italian style, and was entirely rebuilt in 1850 by the late H.C. Sturt esq. at a cost of upwards of £10,000: it consists of chancel, nave and transepts, the north transept being occupied by Lord Alington's household; adjoining the vestry is the family vault of the Sturt family; there are some ancient tombs, one of which, on the north side of the chancel, is to William Cyfrewast, d. May 26, 1581: there is also a fine brass, removed from the old church, some modern brasses, stained windows, a brass choir screen, Caen stone pulpit, and a reredos of carved and gilded mahogany: the church was decorated and furnished by Lord Alington at a cost of £2,000, and affords 200 sittings.

Church Records

The register dates from the year 1664. The original register books are now deposited with the Dorset Archives Service, but have been digitised by Ancestry.co.uk and made available on their site (subscription required).