WIMBORNE (ST. GILES), a parish in the hundred of WIMBORNE ST. GILES, Shaston (East) division of the county of DORSET, 2½ miles (S.W. by W.) from Cranborne, containing, with Wimborne All Saints, 384 inhabitants.

The living is a rectory, with that of Wimborne All Saints united, in the archdeaconry of Dorset, and diocese of Bristol, rated in the king's books at £12. 13. 4., and in the patronage of the Earl of Shaftesbury. The church was rebuilt in 1732, on the union of the two livings: it stands near the seat of the Earl of Shaftesbury, and is the burial-place of the family; its tower is crowned with balustrades, and at each angle is an urn surmounted by a steel vane.

Here are almshouses for eleven poor people, founded, in 1624, by Sir Anthony Ashley, Bart., and endowed with a large farm at Gussage All Saints.

Volume 4, page 489