A predominantly Norman building founded as a nunnery by the Saxon Queen Cuthburga in 705 AD. St. Cuthburga was buried in the Saxon church, as was King Ethelred, brother of Alfred the Great. Wimborne Minster is famed for its 14th century astronomical clock, its 17th century chained library and also its Quarter Jack, a life-size soldier, on the side of the west tower who strikes the quarter hours on a pair of small bells.