The Church Of The Holy Rood      --      Wool, Dorset, U.K.

The Church of the Holy Rood originated as a parochial chapel, belonging to Coombe Keynes until 1844, when Wool became a separate parish.

In 1384 it was decreed that Wool Chapel should be dedicated for the third time, and since then, with its Mother Church at Coombe Keynes (made redundant 14th January 1974), it has been dedicated to Holy Rood.
 

According to Hutchins in his History of Dorset, the church on this site consisted originally of only a nave. The chancel and tower were added later, about 1450.

From then until 1865, the church consisted of the original nave, a small chancel, tower and a north arcade. 

In 1865 a faculty was issued to pull down the body of the church and chancel  with the exception of the tower and north and east walls of the nave and to build a south aisle.  The church was lengthened by 12 feet. 
 

The result was the church as we see it now.  The extension included the ancient burial place of the Turbervilles of Wool Bridge.  The architect was John Hicks of Dorchester.

See the tour section for more details of the history and points of interest.
 

Text based on the current Holy Rood Guide written by Alan Brown (2003) and used by permission.
 

Alan is also the author of two excellent books on local history "A Backward Glimpse of Wool" and "The Changing Face of Wool".
All three books are available direct from him - tel. 01929 462761 or write to "Willowmead", Bindon Lane, Wool, Wareham, Dorset BH20 6HG.
 



(Website photos are by Chris Irwin.)
 

Send mail to the webmaster (see Contacts) with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2004 Holy Rood Church, Wool
Last modified: Wednesday, 02 July 2008