Holy Trinity Church, Fleet


Holy Trinity Church is an active Church of England church in Fleet, Dorset, England. It was built in 1827-29, replacing an earlier parish church which was partially destroyed during the Great Storm of 1824. Holy Trinity remains in religious use and has been Grade I Listed since 1956.

History

Fleet's original church, along with much of the village, suffered considerable damage and destruction during the Great Storm of 1824. After waves broke through Chesil Beach, many of the village's residents were forced to retreat to nearby Chickerell. Once the storm had subsided, it was discovered that five dwellings had been destroyed, along with the nave of the parish church. In the aftermath, the Rector of Fleet, Rev. George Gould, decided to have a new church built at his expense and plans were drawn up by William Strickland. The chosen site of the new church was 540 yards inland from its predecessor.
The foundation stone of the new church was laid by Rev. Gould on 25 April 1827. It was completed in 1829 and consecrated by the Bishop of Bristol, the Right Rev. Robert Gray, on 25 August 1829. Today the church holds one service each month and is also used for weddings, funerals and other events. It is part of the circuit known as Chesil Churches.

Architecture

The Gothic style church is built of ashlar stone with slate roofs. There is a west tower, nave, chancel and sanctuary.