St Aldhelm's Chapel - St Aldhelm's Head, Dorset, UK
Posted by: 
Dragontree
N 50° 34.784 W 002° 03.412
30U E 566774 N 5603515
This late 12th century Chapel stands on the cliff-side at St Aldhelm's Head.
Waymark Code: WM9Z11
Location: Southern England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 10/19/2010
Views: 10
An ancient monument and with its doors open to visitors, St Aldhelm's Chapel is a delightful and special place. The Chapel was declared a Scheduled Ancient Monument in 2000. St Aldhelm was the first Bishop of Sherborne and it is thought that the Chapel is an Early Christian Enclosure with possible links with an earlier timber building indicated from the circular earth mounds around the present building. Originally it is thought that the Chapel was a Chantry - used to celebrate mass for the safety of sailors. Royalty is also associated with the area of the Purbecks with Kings hunting in the region and they may well have spent time here.
The Chapel is a square design with a central pier and four square rib-vaults. The doorway is Norman and the shape of the Chapel is an unusual one with the orientation also non-traditional. There are possible links with fortification as similarities exist between the Chapel and Corfe Castle. The cross on the top of the Chapel was not present originally and may have been a beacon.
A tradition of dropping pins in a hole in the central pillar was prevalent in the 17th century as the Chapel became a Wishing Chapel; wishing for the husbands of their dreams, or safety at sea.
The 18th century saw the Chapel nearly become derelict and Lord Chancellor Eldon oversaw its repair; he owned the Renscombe estate and Encombe estate. The 19th century saw the repairs reach fruition until on 18th July 1874 the Chapel was reopened. Lord Eldon presented the Chapel with its font. The altar was consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury on 4th June 2005 for the 1300th anniversary.
St Aldhelm's Head Radar Station was built nearby during the Second World War. Today the remains of this can still be seen with a memorial nearby and the Coastguard Station is close by too. The Chapel is used for services in the summer.
Visit Instructions:
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