lantern lotoer, fiSimborne Jttinsttr. 



By W. J. FLETCHER, P.R.I.B.A. 



T our last meeting at Cerne I was asked by our 

 worthy Secretary to say a few words to you to-day 

 on any special point of interest connected with 

 this beautiful Minster. Accordingly I have 

 selected the central or Lantern Tower as being 

 the oldest and most interesting portion of the 

 church. 



You are all probably well acquainted with the early history of 

 Wimborne Minster and the legend which tells us how Cuthberga, 

 daughter of Kenred, king of the "West Saxons, built an Abbey at 

 Wynburne in the early part of the eighth century. No part of the 

 present church can, however, have existed in that good lady's time. 

 Indeed, it seems doubtful if the Saxon Church occupied the same 

 site as our present Minster. The church seems to have originally 

 consisted of a Choir, witli probably an apsidal termination, 

 Transepts (about half their present length), Nave, and Tower. 



The Choir had small Chapels on each side, and the Xave had 

 very narrow side Aisles. Before, however, I say anything about 

 the Lantern Tower, let me call your attention to one of the most 

 interesting features connected with the church viz., that the 

 architects and builders who succeeded each other at the various 



