St George's Church, Portland, Dorset

Address:
Reforne, Portland, Dorset, DT5 2JP
How to find us | Access information
Opening times:
Church open daily 10:00 - 16:30 For further information please contact the Local Community Officer on 07833 087 718
  • Originally consecrated in 1766, St George's was at one time the only parish church for the whole of the Isle of Portland.
  • The organ in the west gallery was originally built by G M Holdich.
  • St George's classical style, particularly of the elaborate belfry and steeple, suggests that that its designer Thomas Gilbert was familiar with the London churches of Wren and Hawksmoor, who were making use of the Portland stone quarried nearby.
  • Inside the church, the galleries and box pews are arranged so that everyone faces the twin “hour glass” pulpits – situated where one would expect to find a chancel screen in a mediaeval church.
  • St George's stands in a treeless churchyard of one-and-a-half acres, containing thousands of memorials to former Portland residents.
  • A large building, about 112 feet long and 52 feet wide, Sir Nikolaus Pevsner described St George’s as 'the most impressive 18th century church in Dorset'.
  • The north and south galleries, supported on slender columns, are accessed via elegant, curving staircases. 
  • Overview
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A church inspired by St Paul's Cathedral

Vast and solitary, St George's is one of the most magnificent 18th-century churches in Dorset. It rises from the rocky, treeless and dramatic peninsula of Portland and is the masterwork of a local mason named Thomas Gilbert whose grandfather supplied the Portland stone used to build St Paul's Cathedral.

The interior is fabulously preserved with its lectern, pulpit, box pews and galleries all surviving. It is a 'preacher's church'; with all the seating facing the twin pulpits - one for reading 'the Word'; (scripture), the other for lengthy sermons.

The sprawling churchyard is a treasure trove of fabulous headstones and memorials that tell tales of murder, piracy and adventure in a gloriously atmospheric setting. There are inscriptions to Mary Way and William Lano, who were shot and killed in 1803 by a press gang, and Joseph Trevitt, an assistant warder at Portland Prison who was murdered by a convict in 1869.

  • Access information
    The approach is from the south, north or east across the churchyard on gravel paths, apart from paved areas from the east churchyard entrance to all doors. There is no porch on the south door but a small lobby at the north door. There is clear access via north door if opened from the inside.
  • Facilities & Hire

    This church has lighting and power. No water or toilet

    Small car park available

    This church is supported by a supportive Friends group. 

    This church has hosted concerts, poetry recitals, talks, exhibtions, fairs, flower fesitvals, bake sales and many community events

    The church is available for hire please contact [email protected] for more information

  • Directions
    Easton, Isle of Portland. Parking available close to church.
  • Transport
    Nearest railway station: Weymouth (4.6 miles). Bus route number 1
  • History & Further Information

    Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church before you visit? You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.

    Cornwall, Devon and Dorset County Guide

    This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Cornwall, Devon & Dorset. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.

    St George's, Portland Guidebook

     

  • Volunteering Opportunities

    To find out about volunteering in this church please contact the Local Community Officer on 07833 087 718

  • Community information

    Click here to download a copy of the Church Plan which sets out the shared vision for the future of the church. This is a working document that will be updated on a regular basis. If you have any feedback or if you want to contact us about the church plan please drop us a line. When you write, please do give the name of the church, thank you!

     

    All our Dorset churches are in our West region.

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