Sandford Orcas: St Nicholas

Trent: St Andrew

"There are few churches in Dorset with so much to enjoy," so say Michael Hill, John Newman and Nikolaus Pevsner in their invaluable 'The Buildings of England' series. Its early fourteenth century decorated style is unusual in this county and maybe due to Trent being in Somerset until 1896. St Andrew's is one of only three churches in Dorset with a steeple and it is topped with a guilded, copper weathercock dated 1698.

Inside, you should have a look at the pre-Reformation pew ends (hidden at the Manor House to avoid Puritan vandalism) which are reflected in the kneelers in each pew. The screen is fifteenh century and said to come from Glastonbury Abbey. The pulpit is seventeenth century and originated in The Nederlands.

The church has six bells, three of which are medieval.

Over Compton: St Michael

St Michael's Church is a magnificent find. All three approaches bring you up or down private drives and you wonder whether satnav is having a laugh. But persevere as you will find a gem of a 15th century church nestling next to a Tudor style country house, a huge cedar of Lebanon and the second largest Macrocarpa tree in Great Britain.

Inside the wagon ceilinged church you will find a 17th century triple decker pulpit aimed directly at the Goodden family chapel. A 15th century font, some fairly modern (Kempe & Co, 1906-7) stained glass, armaments and a splendidly lifelike statue of Robert Goodden add to a very rich mix. A moment taken reading the boards either side of the font won't be wasted.

Nether Compton: St Nicholas

St Nicholas' Church has a 13th century nave and chancel and you can feel the prayer oozing out of the soft, honey coloured, Ham stone walls. The stone screen is late 15th century and asymmetrical. The tower, of the same era, houses a ring of six bells that are rung from ground level. This means that the ropes are much longer than the average and this can cause difficulties to visiting ringers. I am sure that Sir Peter Wimsey would have had no problems!

Nestling next to the village green, this is a truly English country church which is well worth a visit. Enjoy the peace, the quiet and the prayer that has gone on for more than 800 years. And please add your own prayers to these ancient stones.

Oborne: St Cuthbert

The 'new' church in Oborne was built in 1861-61 by W.Slater with the nave containing a bellcote. The chancel finishes off with an apse. Look out for the polished marble chancel arch with wonferful leaf carving. The three stained glass windows in the apse are by Christopher Webb (1932).

Poyntington: All Saints

All Saints' is an early 14th century Decorated church, although the north doorway and chancel are 12th century. The chancel and apse, where the high altar is now, is a much later addition- 1863-6 by Henry Hall. It is Early English in style with a polygonal south vestry. Note the lovely Minton tiles behind the altar. The font is from the 12th century and made of Ham Hill Stone - just think how many have been baptised in there over the centuries. The pews are from the 1600s and don't miss the recumbant knight (14th century) with his basinet helmet, low belt and head resting on a great helm.