Conserved for future generations: the church monument thought to date back to 1520

A CHURCHS 16th century Easter Sepulchre monument has been renovated with the help of grant money.

The monument at St Marys Church in Tarrant Hinton is unique in Dorset and a rare example nationally because of its carved Caen stone, architectural style and the lateness of its construction.

Sited in the north wall of the Chancel, it is thought to date from 1520, since the style of carving is influenced by the early Renaissance.

The charity Dorset Historic Churches Trust contributed 7,000 to the project, along with similar grants from the Erskine Muton Trust and the Churches Building Council. St Andrews Conservation Trust also provided a significant sum.

The conservation work, carried out by Sally Strachey Historic Conservation and JA Coombes Ltd, included internal cleaning, stabilising and recording of the Easter Sepulchre, carrying out external drainage improvements and re-pointing the north wall to reduce damage from damp.

The grants also paid for building safe access to the top of the tower and alarms to protect the lead roofs of the church.

Completion of the work was sealed by a blessing and service of dedication.

The Rev Michael Foster of St Marys Church said: It was a pleasure to welcome so many visitors to the churchs dedication service at the weekend.

Wed like to say a big thank you to Dorset Historic Churches Trust (DCHT), the Erskine Muton Trust and the Churches Building Council for their generous grants and to all others who have contributed towards this project.

Now that our beautiful Easter Sepulchre has been conserved for future generations, we shall bring it back into Tarrant Hintons celebrations each Easter.

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Conserved for future generations: the church monument thought to date back to 1520