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| The church was originally 120 feet long with a small apse projecting to the East but with no proper chancel. The lack of a chancel was not remedied until 1895 when, by the use of jacks and rollers, the apse was moved from its original position to one some 30 feet further East on new foundations to provide space for the present chancel. The work was carried out by a local builder with great skill and ingenuity. | ||
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| Extension begins: May 1895 | Work in progress:February 1896 | Nearing completion:October 1896 |
| For more photos of the 1895/6 Chancel Extension | Click Here | |
| The present Church of St. Peter and St. Paul was erected during the years 1732-39 on much the same plan as its predecessor at a cost initially of £3,200 and was opened for worship on 8th April 1739 with a good deal of the work of rebuilding unfinished. The work was carried out to the design and under the supervision of John and William Bastard who were established builder/architects at Blandford at the time, the family having had considerable experience in ecclesiastical work, one of the nearest examples being the church of St. Mary at Charlton Marshall near Blandford which they completed in 1713. Much of the specialist work was done by subcontracting masons and workers in various other trades. It would seem that the available funds were not sufficient to complete the work to their original plan and the church was brought into use without the intended tower and spire. Nevertheless they produced what is universally recognised as the most pleasing Georgian church in the baroque style to be seen outside London and now, in the centre of Blandford's Conservation Area, gives much pleasure to those who live here, and to the many students of church architecture and visitors who come to Blandford |
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