By Lyn Funnell
While we were on holiday in Poole, we were recommended to pay a visit to Knowlton Church.
It’s one of the most haunted areas in Dorset and it’s well-known to have a strange eerie atmosphere.
The Norman church was built in the 12th century for the local village. It’s very unusual as it’s built in the centre of five round pagan earth henges, which are clearly noticeable from above.
There’s a mulberry tree in the circle which is older than the church.
People hang ribbons in it and make a wish.
Most of the villagers died of the Black Death and the survivors moved away. There’s no village there now.
The church collapsed during the 18th century, although the shell of it still stands.
Nobody knows what happened to the church bell although it’s rumoured that the devil stole it.
Some of the villagers tried to save it, but the devil’s grip was too strong and they all drowned.
Many strange things have been seen there, more than once.
A ghostly face has been observed looking through the top window.
Nuns have been seen praying and a rider on a horse gallops through the area.
Paranormal groups get surrounded by a strange mist and they hear voices nearby.
The church is noticeable as we drove along the road. We parked the car in the small layby and walked through the gate.
Suddenly as we walked through the henge, Stormy the dog sat down and refused to move. Something was upsetting him. He was quite distressed and we had to talk to him and pull him along. Then he calmed down.
Photo by Bella Schembri-Adams
Do see Bella’s amazing picture of the church. She just aimed and fired, and we were all absolutely amazed when she checked it. It’s bright green on her phone.
We didn’t see anything there at the time.
Walking in the church, my camera went off. The screen was completely blank.
It re-appeared when we left.
I must admit that I didn’t feel a strange atmosphere. And we didn’t spend a lot of time there. But it’s a lovely area to visit. And a very interesting place.
To find out more about Knowlton Church, visit the English Heritage website here.
📍 Knowlton, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 5AE
