Toller Porcorum

Photograph © Carol Few 2002

The parish of Toller Porcorum, also known as Great Toller, is located 10 miles west-north-west of Dorchester on a tributary of the River Frome. It includes Higher & Lower Kingcombe. The church of St Peter, a building of stone is in the Norman style. It used to contain two galleries, one of which was erected specifically for the school children, but these were removed in 1895 when the church was restored. There are seats for 150 persons. The registers date from 1615, but unfortunately those prior to 1758 have not survived.

Another name for the parish was Swine's Toller which was derived for the great number of swine that were formerly bred here.

Nearby hamlets include Frogmoor which is to the south-east, Barrow-Land 1 mile south-west and Woolcombe 1½ miles south. Higher & Lower Kingcombe (or Kentiscombe) is a tithing belonging to Toller Porcorum one mile north-east. The soil is strong clay and is chiefly pasture covering an area of 3,144 acres. In 1861 the population was 500, with 417 persons in 1891.

The road into Toller Porcorum, with the church tower in the centre. © Lynda Small 2003

The Online Parish Clerks (OPC) for Toller Porcorum are Carol Few and Pat Leech
You may contact Carol and Pat by e-mail if you have further queries