The value of St Eustace to Ibberton• Part of our shared history as a community, spanning many centuries – it embodies the story of the village• Beautiful setting with commanding views across Dorset – part of our landscape• Historic building with a fascinating story to tell – it is a unique piece of local history• Irreplaceable – if allowed to decay it will likely become lost forever• Architectural and artistic value – represents the skills of craftsmen, masons, carpenters, glaziers and artists from centuries ago• Represents shared values and is part of Ibberton’s identity – a place where we can meet together as family, friends and neighbours• Belongs to us and serves the whole community (not just worshippers)• Provides continuity between generations – baptisms, weddings, remembrances, burials• Adds financial value to our homes because of what it brings to the villageOur church is far more than just a place of worship. It is a 700-year-old record of Ibberton’s history, a landmark in the Dorset landscape, a repository of local memories, a place of beauty and reflection, and a heritage asset that cannot be replaced. Saving it is not simply about preserving a building: it is about being good custodians and preserving the identity, history and character of our community for future generationsCommunity Survey – the future of St Eustace ChurchThank you for taking a few minutes to share your views. This survey is not about religion, and it is not an appeal for money. It is about us deciding together what role our 700-year-old church should play in the life of our village in the years to come.Our church is a unique piece of local heritage, but having a small congregation and being a Grade 2* listed building means its future depends on the whole community. Funders are far more likely to support a church that is valued and used widely — so your views genuinely matter.Please tick the box or boxes that best reflect your view. There are no right or wrong answers, and responses will be dealt with anonymously.https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMd7KAGxXyPhMTzxx1bKnnX6qANuAVcDIjUkuqsr2el9S6dw/viewform
St Eustace is a Grade II* listed medieval church situated on a steep escarpment overlooking the village of Ibberton and the Blackmore Vale in Dorset.1 The main fabric, of banded rubble and ashlar, is 15th century, with 16th, 17th and 20th century additions.2 The current structure was partially rebuilt and restored by Gothic Revival architect Charles Ponting in 1902 after falling into an advanced state of decay by the end of the 19th century.3 Significant repairs were carried out to stabilise the foundations of the north aisle in 2025, funded through grants and local community contributions. The church continues to offer regular services and community events. The windows are glazed with clear diamond quarries c.1902. Seven of the eleven windows also contain fragments of 15th,16th & 17th century stained glass, some of which in their original positions in the church, and many windows have retained the medieval ferramenta. Remains of significant painted glass in the church include a shield of arms of Milton Abbey (1) and the Tudor Royal Arms (2)The north chapel contains three eighteenth-century monuments on the north wall: a large marble wall monument with a cherub head on a shaped apron commemorating Mary Galton (1758) with a later inscription recording the donor, C. Elswood, rector (1774) (001), and marble tablets commemorating Richard Applin (1792) (002) and Richard Seymer (1785) (003). Between the arches of the north wall of the chancel is a small marble tablet commemorating Joseph D'Aubeny (1817) (004). On the south wall of the chancel is a marble wall tablet commemorating Richard Daubeney, rector (1802) (005).On the south wall of the nave is a marble tablet by “Patent Works, Esher St., Westminster,” commemorating Elizabeth Davis (1842) (006). On the East elevation of the chancel are two stone decalogue, dating from the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century (007 & 008). Within the centre of the north chapel are two worn ledger stones. The westernmost commemorating Robert Galpen (1730), Barbara (1724), his wife and two sons, John (1719) and Robert (1723) (009). The easternmost commemorating Hannah Aplin, wife of Thomas Aplin (1723) (010). In the northeasterly corner of the chancel is a brass coffin plate set into the floor to Joseph D'Aubeny (1817) (011). Above the west window of the north aisle are the Royal Arms of George III on an arched panel inscribed “Jos. D’Aubeny Esqr. 1801.” (012)
St. Eustace PCC wish to draw Ibberton Parish Council to the condition of the B.O.A.T D32013 - travelling South from the Church Steps towards the road known as Back Hollow. Problem: The B.O.A.T. has become narrow due to the trees growing across the road leading to horse riders having worn away a small narrow area in the centre of the road. For walkers and horse riders the uneven chalk road is particular dangerous when wet, it has been known for people to fall and require assistance up or down the road. St. Eustace Church PCC would like to find additional uses for our beautiful building. It’s proximity to the Dorset Ridgeway is ideal for encouraging walkers and cyclists to stay overnight in the church under the scheme https://champing.co.uk/ If you are able to clear the vegetation back from the road and try and level the surface it would reinstate the road to be useable as it was intended with its classification as a B.O.A.T. Perhaps a coffin will be able to be transported down the road to the church instead of man handled up the road/flight of steps to the grave yard gates. On Sunday 21st September, 2025 the village welcomed the Bishop of Salisbury to St Eustace Church, Grade 11*, for a special service of celebration after recently completing structural works on the building costing £100,000.00. These works will hopefully be preventing parts of the church from descending down the escapement into a garden and spring below.
