English Heritage sites near Shillingstone Parish
FIDDLEFORD MANOR
2 miles from Shillingstone Parish
The principal parts of a small stone manor house, probably begun about 1370 for William Latimer, Sheriff of Somerset and Dorset. The hall and solar chamber display outstandingly fine timber roofs.
OLD WARDOUR CASTLE
12 miles from Shillingstone Parish
Set in landscaped grounds beside a lake in peaceful Wiltshire countryside, these 14th century ruins provide a relaxed, romantic day out for couples, families and budding historians alike.
SHERBORNE OLD CASTLE
12 miles from Shillingstone Parish
Built on a grand scale in the 12th century by the Bishop of Salisbury, Sherborne was coveted by churchmen and noblemen alike giving it a long, chequered history. Picnic, shop, light refreshments.
KNOWLTON CHURCH AND EARTHWORKS
12 miles from Shillingstone Parish
The siting of this ruined medieval church at the centre of a Neolithic ritual henge earthwork symbolises the transition from pagan to Christian worship and creates an atmospheric scene.
MAIDEN CASTLE
17 miles from Shillingstone Parish
Among the largest and most complex of Iron Age hillforts in Europe, Maiden Castle’s huge multiple ramparts enclose an area the size of 50 football pitches and once protected hundreds of residents.
THE NINE STONES
19 miles from Shillingstone Parish
Now in a wooded glade, this small prehistoric circle of nine standing stones was constructed around 4,000 years ago and is surrounded by a mysterious air. Winterbourne Poor Lot Barrows are nearby.
Churches in Shillingstone Parish
Holy Rood, Shillingstone
Church Road
Shillingstone
Blandford Forum
(01258) 861397
https://okefordbenefice.org
The Grade 1 listed church is one of only 22 churches dedicated to the Holy Rood (the Holy Cross) in England. It is a 12th Century building remodelled by the Victorians in 1888.
Holy Rood is a well-loved church with a wide range of services catering for most liturgical tastes. There is a keen band of bell ringers, a choir, and a loyal band of volunteers who tend the church and its grounds.
A few years ago the Church purchased the nearby Village School building and has turned it into a multi purpose Church centre. The Centre is used for informal services, church social events, Bible groups as well as community outreach events like coffee mornings and Lent lunches. There is a Post Office facility twice a week and a lending library too.
The CofE primary school moved to the other end of the village but retains very strong links with the church, using it for twice termly services and "church days". Church members have a strong presence on the governing body of the school, visit and help there regularly and attend Tuesday School worship. There is also a residential school for severely autistic children in the village called The Forum.
Church Wardens
Mrs. Lesley Gasson - 01258 861690
For service times, news and information on outreach, life events and discipleship across the Benefice, please visit https://okefordbenefice.org/
Pubs in Shillingstone Parish
Old Ox
Blandford Road, Shillingstone, DT11 0SF
(01258) 860055
theoldoxinn.co.uk/