St. Mary Catherston Leweston
There has been a church on this site since 1337. However, the present chapel-style building dates from 1857 when it was completely rebuilt to a design by J L Pearson of London.
This is an estate church and closely related to the large Tudor-style mansion nearby. Church and house share the same drive and the slightly inappropriate huge gateway. The church bell came from Sevastopol.
This is also a church for those who particularly appreciate fine workmanship in wood. It is one of only two built by the Victorians in Dorset that employed oak both for the roof and pews, whereas the normal was pine. (The other is Frampton.) The beautifully carved roof is supported on carved stone angel capitals. There is an impressive stone pulpit, an interesting organ and some important stained glass. Note, the sad lament by a mother for her son on a grave under the east window outside.
This is a gem of a little church in a charming setting.
The Trust gratefully acknowledges images and text by Robin Adeney ©
Grants
| Grant date | Reason | Amount | Extra amount | Extra reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/06/18 12:00 am | Towards repairs to stained glass | £2,000 |
Churches Nearby
| Ref | Title | Town | Postcode | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Mary | Catherston Leweston | DT6 6LZ | 0 | |
| St. Andrew | Charmouth | DT6 6LN | 1 | |
| St Candida and Holy Cross | Whitchurch Canonicorum | DT6 6RQ | 2 | |
| St. Michael the Archangel | Lyme Regis | DT7 3DA | 2 | |
| St. John | Fishpond | DT6 6NN | 2 | |
| St. Andrew | Monkton Wyld | DT6 6DA | 2 | |
| St Gabriel | Stanton St. Gabriel | DT6 6EP | 3 | |
| Queen of Martyrs & St Ignatius' Church | Chideock | DT6 6LF | 3 | |
| St. Mary | Marshwood | DT6 5QA | 3 | |
| St. Giles | Chideock | DT6 6LE | 4 | |
| St Stephen | Bettiscombe | DT6 5NT | 4 | |
| St Mary | Pilsdon | DT6 5NZ | 4 | |
| St. Paul | Broadoak | DT6 5PY | 5 | |
| St. John the Baptist | Symondsbury | DT6 6HB | 5 | |
| St. Mary the Virgin | Thorncombe | TA20 4NF | 5 | |
| Holy Trinity | Blackdown | DT8 3LE | 5 | |
| Holy Trinity | Salway Ash | DT6 5JE | 6 | |
| St. Swithun | Bridport | DT6 5DU | 6 | |
| St. Andrew | Burstock | DT8 3LJ | 6 | |
| St. Saviour | Dottery | DT6 3NN | 6 |