St Peter's Church, Bournemouth
A Victorian Gothic Revival church in the town centre, whose churchyard holds the grave of Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein.
St Peter's Church was built between 1854 and 1879 to designs by the architect George Edmund Street. Its soaring spire is a landmark of central Bournemouth, and the interior is richly decorated with painted surfaces, carved details and stained glass. It is a Grade I listed building. The churchyard holds the graves of Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, and her parents, William Godwin and the feminist pioneer Mary Wollstonecraft, whose remains were moved from London. The poet Percy Bysshe Shelley's heart is also said to lie buried with Mary. Entry to the church is free. It stands on the east side of the Lower Gardens and is a few minutes' walk from the square.
Opening hours
Approx. 9 am–5 pm (closed during prayer times)
Nearby sights
- Bournemouth Lower Gardens
- Oceanarium Bournemouth
- Bournemouth Beach & Pier
- Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
- Alum Chine
- Boscombe Pier
- Compton Acres
- Sandbanks Beach