Kingston is a small village at the top of the hill overlooking Corfe Castle, only about twenty five properties are occupied permanently.
St James’ is a large Victorian Church and Grade 1 Listed Building often referred to as “The Cathedral of Purbeck”. It was built during the 1870s as a private chapel until 1921 when the church and graveyard were conveyed, without endowment, to the Church Commissioners and consecrated for use of the village. The wonderful organ has been refurbished and is now listed. The acoustics in the church make it a superb venue for concerts which are well attended. The church is very popular for weddings and christenings. Many couples return to St James’ to attend services following their weddings.
Kingston does not have a Village Hall so the Church holds various functions which helps raise funds for the maintenance of the church building and other charities.
The Bells at St James’ Church, Kingston
The ten bells in this tower are reputed to be the best in Dorset. Until the year 2000 they were a ring of eight then with the help of cash donations they were augmented to the present ring of ten by adding two trebles. Being a pleasing ring many visitors have them on the list of popular towers and there are many requests for permission to ring them. The bells were all cast by Taylors bell foundry, the 10th the tenor bell being the heaviest in the tower weights 26-3-16 cwt the other nine bell weights reduce as we get to the treble which is the lightest one. The band, drawn from local churches, ring for the church services and weddings.