St John the Baptist's Church, Allington

The earliest parts of the church date from the 12th century, but only fragments of this building remain, in the imposts of the chancel arch (rebuilt in the 19th century) and a portion of stonework from a Norman doorway, reset in the north wall. Most of the church was rebuilt between 1847 and 1851, the new building scrupulously reproduced the plan and details of its 13th-century predecessor, except that the timber belfry was replaced by masonry. The benefice was united with Boscombe in 1924, and in 1970 the two parishes were amalgamated. Allington church was declared redundant on 1 February 2010, and was vested in the Friends of Friendless Churches in the following year.

Inside the church, the wall of the nave is rendered and colour-washed; it has a 19th-century wagon roof. The interior of the chancel has stencil and freehand decoration executed in 1876 by Heaton, Butler and Bayne in memory of Revd Fulwar William Fowle, rector of the church for over 60 years. The chancel is floored with encaustic tiles. It contains a sedilia and a piscina. The stained glass in the east window is also by Heaton, Butler and Bayne, and depicts the Crucifixion. The font dates from the 19th century and is a replica of the 12th-century original; its pyramidal pierced cover is from the 17th century. The pulpit is in oak, and dates from the 19th century. There are two pews from the…