The Knowlton Church and Earthworks in Wimborne, Dorset, has a rich history that spans thousands of years.
It encompasses both prehistoric rituals and later Christian worship,
and is renowned for being one of the most haunted places in Dorset.
Visit Date June 2025
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| Knowlton Church |
The site is part of the English Heritage collection of historic locations and is renowned for its Neolithic earthworks.
The Knowlton Circles are a complex of henges and earthworks, representing a significant Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial site in southern England. Located in the Cranborne Chase area, this site boasts a high number and diversity of prehistoric archaeological remains.
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| Click on any image for lager view |
There are nearly 100 henges in Britain and Ireland, typically dating from about 3000 to 2000 BC. While they are generally believed to be ceremonial sites, they likely served multiple functions and may have changed roles over time.
The wider Knowlton complex contains five large circular or subcircular monuments. Three of these are henges, characterized by having banks outside their ditches: the Southern Circle (the largest), the central or Church Henge, and the Northern Circle, which is marked by a group of ancient yew trees.
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| View of henge ditch and circle. |
Adjacent to these henges is a smaller monument, known as the Old Churchyard, which also features an external ditch and is likely prehistoric, despite its name. On the opposite side of the central henge lies a large, tree-covered mound called the Great Barrow. This mound is the largest barrow in Dorset and is surrounded by two concentric ditches.
Much of this is difficult to see as it is overgrown however An aerial photograph of Knowlton earthworks seen from the north-east was taken in 1995, when the dry weather revealed more earthworks.
This can be seen on the English heritage web site.
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| Knowlton Church |
The choice of this location for monument construction was likely significant, possibly connected to natural features such as the River Allen and dolines (sinkholes), which may have held cosmological meaning for ancient communities. Archaeological investigations by John Gale and Bournemouth University suggest that the site evolved over time, serving as both a geographical and spiritual home for communities for approximately one thousand years. It became a major focal point for funerary complexes.
Evidence indicates the presence of a "Beaker" period structure from the second half of the 3rd millennium BC, which may have been contemporary with the Southern Circle and was later replaced by a funerary site.
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| Knowlton Church - Norman Arches |
The church's Norman origins are evident in the plain round arch that leads to the east end, or chancel, as well as in the round-headed arches of the arcade that separates the nave from the north aisle. The south door also exhibits Norman characteristics. At the west end, there is a 15th-century tower constructed from flint with stone bands, and the outline of the church roof is clearly visible on the eastern face of the tower.
The church was intentionally built in the heart of a former pagan site, illustrating how early Christians sought to convert the local population by repurposing existing pagan places of worship and incorporating them into their faith. Standing stones, which had been sacred for millennia, were reportedly broken apart and used in the church's construction, while others were toppled and buried. This "curious pairing" of the henge and the church symbolizes the transition from pagan to Christian worship.
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| Knowlton Church - Showing stone |
On the northern edge of the site, it is possible to see a stone left on the ground, a possible remnant of the Neolithic site? The top of another stone can been seen alongside which is buried well below the ground.
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| Knowlton Church - Yew Trees and tributes |
To the north of the church and possibly marking a northern entrance, two yew trees stand as a poignant reminder of those we cherish. People have been leaving heartfelt tributes and memorials, adorning the trees with ribbons and plaques that reflect their love and memories. It’s a touching tribute to the bonds that connect us all.
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| Knowlton Church |
A thriving community once existed in the village of Knowlton. However, the population was decimated by the Black Death in the late 15th century, leading the few surviving inhabitants to abandon the village and migrate elsewhere. Their houses fell into decay and were eventually plowed into the earth, with only vague traces of the foundations still visible to the west of the church. Despite this decline, Knowlton Church continued to attract a congregation for several more centuries, serving as a place of worship until the 17th century, or possibly even the 18th century, when its roof collapsed, after which it was abandoned. Today, it remains a "melancholy ruin."
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| Knowlton Church - N/W view |
Knowlton Church is well-known for its haunted history, with numerous individuals claiming to have encountered paranormal events there. A "spiritual paradox" is evident, as the attempts of early holy men to impose Christianity over pagan beliefs ultimately failed, leaving the church in ruins.
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| Knowlton Church - Detail |
There have been many reported sightings at the ruin.
A phantom horse and rider are said to gallop across the site in the dead of night, passing straight through the church.
A ghostly face has been witnessed peering from the top window of the tower.
The shade of a weeping woman, sometimes described as a nun, has been seen kneeling outside the church.
A phantom black dog has been sighted in the area.
A mysterious cloaked man has been spotted walking around the outside of the church, sometimes in daylight hours, before vanishing. Witnesses have commented on a "truly menacing aura" emanating from him.
In the 19th century, there is a story about thieves who tried to steal a large brass bell from the church tower. However, the bell fell into a river and could not be retrieved. It is said to ring from the ruined tower on stormy nights.
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| Knowlton Church - Detail |
Paranormal groups investigating the site have reported experiences of being surrounded by swirling white mist and hearing ethereal voices. In November 2020, paranormal investigator Jeff Higgins and his son, Stephen, visited the church at night and recorded what they believe to be a ghost on camera. They noticed movement from the left side of the frame to the right. Additionally, they recorded exceptionally high readings on their K2 and Mel meters, which measure electromagnetic fields, with the Mel meter reaching a level of 50.8, a reading described as "unheard of." Jeff believes this could indicate an "intelligent haunting," meaning the entity is aware of its surroundings and can interact with the environment. Some locals speculate that the henge itself serves as a "ghost trap," confining spirits within the circle.
Many people have said that the atmosphere was eerie on their visit or that they felt unsettled or uncomfortable here. I have to say I did not feel any of that; it just seemed a pleasant, quiet place.
Footer:Visit Information: -
Google Reference: -
50.89215795000064, -1.9670242050628584
Google Reference: -
50.89215795000064, -1.9670242050628584
What Three Words reference: -
///recapture.waking.starters
OS Details: -
Grid Ref: SU 02382 10281 elevation 193ft
Additional information.
Visiting is easy and there is a lay-by at the site (50.89156612457617, -1.9682256414495787).
Access easy from here.
The site is well signposted off the B3078 in the small village.
There are no facilities at this site.
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