Minstead, All Saints

The church, mentioned in the Doomsday Book, had been a site of Christian worship since at least Saxon times and the building contains architecture and furnishings that reflect its history.

The present building, including the doorway, dates from the 12th century with a remodelled Norman chancel arch from two centuries later. The earliest piece of furniture is the font which could be as early as the end of the 11th century. For years, probably after Cromwelian times it lay buried in the vicarage garden from where it was recovered and replaced in the church in the 19th century.

The pews, made from Forest oak, date back to the 17th century. Private pews built by local notable families on the north side resemble small sitting rooms with a fire place each and the north transept was enlarged in the 19th century to accommodate all the Minstead estate workers and the patron and his family.

The three-decker pulpit dates from the 17th century, with woodwork from an even earlier age. It reflects the hierarchical traditions of that society with the parish clerk, answering the Amens in the lowest section, the reader and the preacher in ascending order.

The two galleries date from the 18th century, one built to accommodate the musicians and a second one for the children of the school in 1818, with the present bell tower being added some 50 years earlier, with bells dating from the 15th century.

Both Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his wife are buried in the churchyard.

Opening Times
Daily, 10am - 5pm

Telephone: 023 8028 2154

Services

Sunday	9.45am	Eucharist
2nd Sunday	6pm	Sung Evensong
3rd Sunday	8am	Holy Communion
3rd Sunday	9.45am	Family Service