St Martin-on-the-Walls Church
A thousand-year-old Saxon church in Wareham, featuring ancient frescoes and the unique T.E. Lawrence effigy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See ancient art in natural light
St Martin-on-the-Walls Church
Best Time
See ancient art in natural light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A thousand-year-old Saxon church in Wareham, featuring ancient frescoes and the unique T.E. Lawrence effigy.
"Said to have been founded by St Aldhelm in about 700, the present church was built in 1030 by order of King Cnut."
🕰️ Allow ample time
Take your time to absorb the history and details, especially the effigy and frescoes.
📸 Respectful photography
Capture the beauty, but be mindful of the sacred space.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
T.E. Lawrence Effigy
North Aisle
A striking recumbent effigy of Lawrence of Arabia in Arab robes, a poignant and unusual memorial.
12th Century St Martin Fresco
Chancel
A rare and beautifully preserved medieval mural depicting the story of St Martin of Tours, a glimpse into ancient artistry.
Saxon Architecture
Nave and Chancel
Marvel at the enduring structure of this Saxon church, with its tall nave and chancel dating back to the 11th century.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Thousand Years of History
The Lawrence of Arabia Connection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🕰️ Allow ample time
Take your time to absorb the history and details, especially the effigy and frescoes.
📸 Respectful photography
Capture the beauty, but be mindful of the sacred space.
📍 Location on the Walls
Easily accessible on the North Walls, east of the town gateway.
Tips
from all over the internet
🕰️ Allow ample time
Take your time to absorb the history and details, especially the effigy and frescoes.
📸 Respectful photography
Capture the beauty, but be mindful of the sacred space.
📍 Location on the Walls
Easily accessible on the North Walls, east of the town gateway.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St Martin-on-the-Walls Church for its deep historical significance and atmospheric charm. The well-preserved Saxon architecture, ancient frescoes, and the unique T.E. Lawrence effigy are frequently highlighted as major attractions. While it's a quiet and contemplative space, some may find it small if expecting a large cathedral experience.
"Beautiful atmospheric Anglican church.
The effigy of Lawrence of Arabia lays peacefully inside the church.
Lawrence is buried at Moreton cemetery.
The church has been open for prayer for over 1000 years.
If you are anywhere near Wareham it's well worth visiting."
Julie Smith
"St Martin-on-the-Walls, Wareham. Said to have been founded by St Aldhem in about 700, the present church was built in 1030 by order of King Cnut, who had earlier been responsible for burning it down before his conversion. The tall nave and chancel are original, although the windows are later. A north aisle was added in the 15th century and the south porch in the 16th, later forming the base of a tower built in 1713. The arms of Queen Anne and the Decalogue are painted on the chancel arch, painted over the arms of Charles I, which in turn cover medieval paintings. In the chancel, there is a 12th century mural depicting the story of St Martin of Tours. The north aisle is mostly filled with a recumbent effigy of T E Lawrence (of Arabia) in Arab robes. It was commissioned by his brother, but was refused space in Westminster Abbey, St Paul's and Salisbury Cathedral. The vicar of nearby Moreton, where Lawrence is buried, refused it as he thought it would spoil the look of his church, and the sculpture came to rest here in 1939."
Mazhar Abbas
"Amazing visit. Lawrence of Arabia statue is definitely worth a visit. 👍🏻😊"
Malcolm Petfield
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St Martin-on-the-Walls Church is located on the North Walls, on the east side of the gateway into Wareham. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby, or on foot if you're exploring the town.
No, St Martin-on-the-Walls Church is located in Wareham, Dorset, England. The TikTok video mentioning 'Café in the Crypt' refers to St Martin-in-the-Fields church in London, which is a different location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to St Martin-on-the-Walls Church is typically free, as it is an active place of worship. Donations are always welcome to help with its upkeep.
As an active church, St Martin-on-the-Walls is generally open during daylight hours for prayer and visitors. It's advisable to check local listings or contact the church directly for any specific service times or unexpected closures.
There is no separate admission fee for viewing the T.E. Lawrence effigy; it is part of the church's interior and accessible with general entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
St Martin-on-the-Walls is renowned for its significant Saxon history, dating back to around 1030 AD, and its well-preserved 12th-century fresco of St Martin. It's also famously home to the recumbent effigy of T.E. Lawrence.
Photography is generally permitted inside St Martin-on-the-Walls Church for personal use, but it's important to be respectful of the sacred nature of the building and any ongoing services.
The effigy is significant as it's a memorial to T.E. Lawrence (of Arabia), commissioned by his brother and placed here after being declined by other major institutions. It depicts him in Arab dress.
Yes, the church features a 12th-century mural of St Martin of Tours in the chancel, as well as painted arms of Queen Anne and the Decalogue on the chancel arch, which cover earlier paintings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Wareham town centre, which is a short walk from the church, offers various pubs, cafes, and restaurants for dining options.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to look for the details in the medieval frescoes and the T.E. Lawrence effigy. Discussing the history of King Cnut and the church's age can make it a living history lesson. Remember to emphasize respectful behavior in a place of worship.
🏛️ History Buffs
The presence of the T.E. Lawrence effigy adds a layer of 20th-century history and intrigue, with its own unique backstory of rejection and eventual placement. The preservation of the 12th-century fresco is another significant draw, providing rare visual evidence of medieval artistic practices.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Saxon History
Over the centuries, the church has seen additions and modifications, including a 15th-century north aisle and a 16th-century south porch that later became the base for a tower built in 1713. Despite these changes, the core Saxon elements remain prominent, offering visitors a tangible connection to England's early medieval past. Exploring these ancient walls provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and resilience of structures that have stood for over a millennium.
The Story of the Lawrence of Arabia Effigy
The effigy finally found its home in St Martin-on-the-Walls in 1939. Even the vicar of the nearby Moreton parish, where Lawrence is buried, initially declined it, fearing it would detract from his church's appearance.
Medieval Artistry Preserved
Further artistic elements include the painted arms of Queen Anne and the Decalogue adorning the chancel arch. These were painted over earlier depictions of Charles I, which themselves covered even older medieval paintings.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit