Whitcombe Church, Whitcombe, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8NY

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 2026

More events

From 22/02/2026 until 22/02/2027
Starts 09:00
ONLINE | Barnes Night: A Celebration of the Life and Work of William Barnes

From 20/03/2026 until 20/03/2027
Starts 09:00
ONLINE | A Dorset Spring through the Poetry of William Barnes

On 26/04/2026
11:00 till 12:30
Annual Service of Thanksgiving of William Barnes

On 04/05/2026
Starts 00:00
Cerne Abbas Festival - William Barnes' Poetry Readings

On 31/05/2026
13:00 till 15:00
Wreath Laying at the William Barnes Statue

On 30/08/2026
10:00 till 17:00
William Barnes at Stock Gaylard Oak Fair 2026

On 11/09/2026
15:00 till 17:00
Celebrating William Barnes, Poet and Priest at Whitcombe Church

On 07/11/2026
14:30 till 15:30
Inspired by Barnes