Cburcb Screens of JDorset 



By E. T. LONG. 



(Read 7th December, 1920). 



HE county of Dorset, unlike its near neighbours 

 Somerset and Devon, is not famous for its church 

 woodwork, and the remains of screens are compar- 

 atively few and unimportant. There can be little 

 doubt that originally every church possessed its rood screen, 

 and frequently parclose and chantry screens as well; but the 

 destroying hand of fanatic and "restorer" has been very busy 

 in this county. It is painful to reflect that during the last 

 century several line screens have been completely swept away, 

 and among others we may specially mention those at Cran- 

 borne, I \verne Minster, Okeford Fitzpaine and Hawkchurch, 

 the first three of which retained the rood loft practically 

 intact. Also we must not forget the shameful vandalism 

 perpetrated at Wimborne Minster in 1855, when the line 

 Jacobean screen and stalls were mutilated, and the canopies 

 of the stalls completely destroyed on the plea of obstructing 

 the view so dear to Victorian restorers. However, in spite of 

 much grievous vandalism and ignorant restoration, Dorset still 

 retains a few examples of screen work which deserve careful 



