AS part of English Heritage Week, St Clement’s Church in Boscombe will open up its Grade 1 Listed building to the public next Saturday.

St Clement’s, which is the only Grade 1 listed building other than the Russell Cotes Museum in Bournemouth, was founded in 1873 by Edmund Christie. He offered to build the church if the Winchester Diocese would staff it. John D Sedding was the commissioned architect and there are some very fine examples of his work inside the building.

Father Kevin Arkell said: “There will be a display of some magnificent vestments and the opportunity to climb the tower for some wonderful views of the surrounding area.”

Entry to the church in St Clement’s Road is free, but it is hoped that visitors might like to contribute to the upkeep of the building by purchasing a 50p guide book or making a donation.