Holy Trinity Church, Bothenhampton

Holy Trinity Church is a Church of England parish church at Bothenhampton, near Bridport in Dorset, England. It was designed and built by the English arts and crafts architect, Edward Schroeder Prior, in 1884-9.

Holy Trinity Bothenhampton was Prior's first church. He undertook an extensive study of local churches and developed a sophisticated analytical approach to designing the building, and a philosophy that sought to build appropriately for its religious function. The roof was the most radical feature of the church, later forming the model for the great roof at Prior's masterwork at St Andrew's Church, Roker. Elements of Richard Norman Shaw's influence remain, particularly in the porch but Prior's knowledge and love of Early English church architecture in particular dominate. Prior was careful to use local materials, selected with skill and handled with craftsmanship. He was also able to develop furnishings and decoration to provide a holistic design for the church and its fittings.

By the late 19th Century the 15th century church at Bothenhampton had fallen into disrepair. The church was also too small for the congregation. The new church was funded by J.P.F. Grundy, one of the directors of the West Bay Building Company, by public subscription and anonymous donation.

The church is located on a promentory, on the side of the valley of the river Bride. It is directly exposed to westerly and south westerly winds and is located only a mile from the coast. It is approached...
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