St. Andrew’s Church, Kinson NGR: SZ06794 96929, Lat: 50.7749, Long -1.9050. (Lead author: JT)
Kinson is an ancient settlement on the south bank of the river Stour, and it is thought that the church may have Saxon origins. The tower is Norman (c 1100), built entirely of local Heathstone, from the Poole Formation, the higher part being 14th or 15th century.
The 13th century chancel was built of Purbeck limestone, brought round by sea from Poole Harbour and up the Stour. The remainder of the church has been rebuilt several times.
The remainder of the church has been rebuilt several times. The present church was rebuilt in 1895, re-using much of the original Heathstone, though the addition on the south may have used fresh stone.
The rebuild in 1895 was commissioned by the Fryer family, descendants of the smuggler, Isaac Gulliver. It is said that he used the church tower to hide his contraband, and that it is possible to see the marks of the ropes he used to lift them up into the bell-chamber. Bath Stone was used for the dressings in 1895, Monks Park on the outside and Corsham facings inside.
Note: Kinson became part of Bournemouth in 1930.