Nether Cerne
This must surely be one of the most attractive suites of buildings in Dorset, resting on the banks of the river Cerne and incorporating a medieval church and a 17/18c mellow stone manor house. The parish was once part of the endowment of Cerne Abbey and was served by its Benedictine monks until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539. After that it was a 'perpetual curacy' served by various other parishes until services ceased in 1968. It was finally declared redundant in 1971 and came to the Redundant Churches Fund in 1973.
The nave and chancel are one and together with the south chapel originate from the late 13c. Along with many Dorset towers, this one was also built late in the 15c, although it differs from most in being adorned by angels rather than gargoyles. In 1876 the whole building was restored. The Purbeck stone font is Norman and has a fluted and ribbed cauldron bowl.
In the floor there is a slab in memory of John Dammer who died in 1685. He is thought to have been the great-grandfather of the first Lord Milton who was responsible for building the mansion house at Milton Abbey (see Milton Abbey).
The Trust gratefully acknowledges images and text by Robin Adeney ©
Ref | Title | Town | Postcode | Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
All Saints (Redundant) | Nether Cerne | DT2 7AJ | 0 | |
St. Mary the Virgin | Cerne Abbas | DT2 7JQ | 1 | |
All Saints | Piddletrenthide | DT2 7QR | 3 | |
Church | Up Cerne | DT2 7AW | 3 | |
St. Pancras | Alton Pancras | DT2 7RW | 3 | |
St. Mary the Virgin | Piddlehinton | DT2 7TE | 3 | |
St. Nicholas | Sydling St. Nicholas | DT2 9PA | 3 | |
Church | Stratton | DT2 9RU | 4 | |
Saint Mary's | Frampton | DT2 9ND | 4 | |
St. Mary | Bradford Peverell | DT2 9SB | 4 | |
The Holy Rood | Buckland Newton | DT2 7BX | 4 | |
Church | Charminster | DT2 9RD | 4 | |
St. Andrew | Minterne Magna | DT2 7AZ | 4 | |
St. Francis | Frome Vauchurch | DT2 0DY | 5 | |
St Mary | Maiden Newton | DT2 0AA | 5 | |
St. Quintin | Frome Saint Quintin | DT2 0HF | 5 | |
St Nicholas | Hillfield | DT2 7BA | 5 | |
St Peter and St Paul | Cattistock | DT2 0JG | 5 | |
Holy Trinity | Chilfrome | DT2 0HA | 5 | |
St. Mary | Batcombe | DT2 7BG | 5 |
DHCT C/o Porter Dodson, 53 High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1UX
282790