Monument record MDO44563 - Chapel, West Woodyates Manor, Pentridge

Site of a circa 13th century chapel. It fell into disuse and was dismantled before AD 1650 and was demolished in the mid to late 18th century. It had a lead roof and a single bell in a wooden turret. Believed to have occupied a site at the north north east of the Manor House. A farmyard now occupies the site and no remains now survive.

[SU 01631953] Chapel [G.T.] (Site of). <2>

A small church stood at West Woodyates, said to have occupied the site at the east end of the Manor House. [see Dorset 9 NE 6] in the 13thc. It is mentioned in a Taxation Note of Pope Nicholas c.1291 & in a Grant of Henry VIII. An inventory exists dated 1552 and evidence shows that the church was dismantled, owing to disuse, before 1650 & finally demolished c1760 or earlier. West Woodyates was a distinct parish which claims to be extra parochial. The church or chapel was a small fabric covered with lead & had one bell in a wooden turret. It was officiated by the rector of Pentridge c.1650 since which it was neglected & pulled down c.1774. <1, 3>

A farmyard now occupies the site, contained in T.1., of this chapel, which is to the NNE of the Manor House & not to the east as stated in T.2. No remains now exist & no further information regarding siting or dedication was obtained during fieldwork. <4>

<1> Hutchins, J, 1774, The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset. Volume 2. 1st edition, 221-2 (Monograph). SDO9551.

<2> Ordnance Survey, Ordnance Survey Map 6in, 1902 (Map). SWX1540.

<3> Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 1928, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Field Club for 1927-1928, 85-88 (Serial). SDO31.

<4> Swatridge, G C, Various, Field Investigators Comments GCS, F1 GCS 10-MAY-54 (Unpublished document). SWX1169.

<5> National Record of the Historic Environment, 213489 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Jun 27 2023 2:50PM