Holy Trinity Church, Bothenhampton

Holy Trinity Bothenhampton was Edward Prior's first church. He undertook an extensive study of local churches and developed a sophisticated analytical approach to designing the building, and a philosophy that sought to build appropriately for its religious function. The roof was the most radical feature of the church, later forming the model for the great roof at Prior's masterwork at St Andrew's Church, Roker. Elements of Richard Norman Shaw's influence remain, particularly in the porch but Prior's knowledge and love of Early English church architecture in particular dominate. Prior was careful to use local materials, selected with skill and handled with craftsmanship. He was also able to…

The design went through at least three major revisions. Initially the church was to have no aisles or transepts, but a tower. The chancel was to be higher than the nave. In the second design a bellcote was substituted for the tower and the chancel became conventional. In the final design the chancel was simplified to have four small lancets, and a revised bellcote. The church is constructed of coarse snecked Bothenhampton stone, a form of Forest Marble, from Grundy's quarry. The stone work is rough axe faced, and Prior used the largest pieces that he could obtain constructing walls 3 ft thick. The entire church sits on a plinth of blue-grey lias shale from Kimmeridge. This material is also…