St Leonard's, Semley

A parish church has stood in Semley since Norman times. However the present church is Victorian. The remnants from the older buildings are the Norman font and a thirteenth century effigy of a priest, which are both situated close to the north door. The rebuilding of the church was begun in 1866 by the then Rector of Semley. He took down the old chancel and built a new one entirely at his own expense. The rest of the building was demolished in 1874 and was rebuilt around the new chancel in Perpendicular style. The Church contains some fine stained glass; this includes a spectacular window in the Lady Chapel designed by Henry Haig in memory of WPC Yvonne Fletcher who was tragically shot while on duty at the Libyan Embassy in St James Square, London and died on the 17th April 1984.

The tower is a prominent feature with a small spire in the northwest corner. There is a fine set of 6 bells (one of the heaviest rings in the country) which are in good working order.

St Leonard’s achieved Bronze Eco Church status in March 2023.

Get in touch

The Rev'd Kate McFarlane

The Rectory, Semley, Shaftesbury, Dorset

SP7 9AU
Rector
01747 830174

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Safeguarding

Our parish of St Leonard's is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops' guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Our Diocese of Salisbury’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the PSO at the link below, from where you can also contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services.

Contact Safeguarding