Celebrating William Barnes, Poet and Priest at Whitcombe Church

We are delighted to invite you to Whitcombe Church to enjoy a recital by the William Barnes Society in this very special church where William Barnes himself preached his first and last sermons.
Whitcombe Church was built in the 12th century, but the site was used for worship in the Saxon era, evidenced by the fragments of two Saxon crosses that can be seen inside the church. Much later, the minister, poet, writer and philologist, William Barnes preached his first and last sermons in the church.

In celebration of the history of this remarkable church and the work of William Barnes, the community of Whitcombe and the William Barnes Society invite you to a recital of Barnes' work followed by refreshments.

This event is free, but donations would be very welcome to support the work of the William Barnes Society and the Churches Conservation Trust to maintain this church and St Peter's at Winterborne Came where William Barnes is buried, ensuring that they can be enjoyed and celebrated for generations to come.

For more information visit Heritage Open Days 2025

Heritage Open Days