The village of Winterborne [or Winterbourne] Stickland [or Strickland] is a parish and village that stands at the head of the chalk stream Winterbourne, and it is  situated 3¾ miles south west of Blandford Forum. Turnworth parish is to the north, Blandford St Mary, is to the east   to the west is Winterborne Houghton, while downstream can be found Winterborne Clenston.

The parish church of St Mary is in the middle of the parish and is noted for the oak wagon headed roof.

 A Wesleyan Chapel was built in 1863 and a Primitive Methodist Chapel in 1877. Winterborne Quarleston is a tithing in the parish The village had a post office, a National School built in 1861 and a Police Constable. The parish comprises 2234 acres , the soil is light chalky loam and the chief crops were wheat and barley. In 1891 the population was 406.
Details from Kelly's Directory 1895

St Mary's Church

The name came from 'stickle' which mean steep and is still used in the Dorset dialect and it is thought the name also came from the steep lane known as Chalky Path. There used to be a large range of shops and local services here and even a brewery up until the 1890s and that has now been converted into a private residence. The brewery was owned by Hall and Woodhouse and then the company moved to Blandford St Mary and the old building started to fall into disrepair.

The oldest building in the village is said to be Quarleston Farm and this dates back to the 15th century and was the home of the Quarrels and it is said that a tunnel ran from here to Clenston Manor or Milton Abbey but it has never been proved.

The village lies on the border of the old Milton Abbey estate and the owner visited the village in 1896 and gave a joint of beef to every household.

The parish church is dedicated to St Mary and still has fabric from the 13th century and also has a wagon roof. Inside is the Skinner Chapel whi has a large table-tomb of Thomas Skinner and his wife of Quarleston, and it is said that his ghost walks the church.

Winston Churchill lived in the living for 57 years in the 19th century and he rebuilt the Rectory and was a much loved person with his kindness and generosity to his parishioners.

COTTAGES OF WINTERBORNE STICKLAND

(photographs kindly contributed by Len Payne, Canada