A Dorset Gem

St. Nicholas, Hilfield

A study in simplicity – St. Nicholas, Hilfield

A short walk from the Friary is the delightful little church of St Nicholas. It was a parish in it’s own right but is now a chapel of ease. There are services here about five times a year.

See http://www.wrigglevalleybenefice.org

for more details.

The church is open every day. There is no church sign at all but a nice little welcome notice can be found on the font. The visitors book contains some appreciative comments and has been signed by 14 people over the last month.

Inside St. Nicholas

There is a history pinned up on the wall but that is about it. Yet, there is much more to St. Nicholas than that. This really is a gem of a little church and, in my opinion, is worth seeking out. It is well cared for and obviously much loved. The pew ends are quite a treasure, there is a remarkable variety of carving to see. Nobody is quite sure where they have come from but they are of interest. On the North wall are the two parish war memorials. The first world war one contains 3 names, the second world war one 2. This really is a microcosm of an English country parish.

Strictly speaking, from the point of view of this study I do have to give St. Nicholas a poor rating. But it is a lovely little church which deserves better and I do recommend a visit to it. Even better, go along to one of the services there to help keep it alive.

Pew end