Piddletrenthide
Piddletrenthide must be an early example of ribbon development as it strings along both sides the road that shares the valley with the Piddle river. From time to time roads lead off to the west and one of these leads down into a delightful suite of cottages that stand below the slightly unexpected, but nevertheless splendid village church.
From the outside, the most important feature is the magnificent tower of 1485, replete with twin light bell openings, numerous pinnacles and terrifying gargoyles. Inside the porch is a doorway featuring a zigzag decoration, which confirms the building's Norman origins. The nave and aisles are C15. In 1852 the building was restored and the walls raised by John Hicks, who was the brother of the incumbent. This was Hick's first major commission since setting up an office in Dorchester. He went on to become the architect of choice, restoring and building more than 27 churches in Dorset, before his untimely death in 1869. The chancel is of 1880 by Ewan Christian.
There are some excellent Victorian memorials.
Outside, on the south east side of the chancel can be found two semi-circular headstones that mark the graves of members of the the Durbefield family, whom Thomas Hardy immortalised as the D'Urbervilles in 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles.
The Trust gratefully acknowledges images and text by Robin Adeney ©
Ref | Title | Town | Postcode | Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
All Saints | Piddletrenthide | DT2 7QR | 0 | |
St. Mary the Virgin | Piddlehinton | DT2 7TE | 1 | |
St. Pancras | Alton Pancras | DT2 7RW | 2 | |
All Saints (Redundant) | Nether Cerne | DT2 7AJ | 3 | |
St. Martin | Cheselbourne | DT2 7NJ | 3 | |
St. Mary the Virgin | Cerne Abbas | DT2 7JQ | 3 | |
Chapel | Lyscombe | DT2 7PB | 3 | |
All Saints | Dewlish | DT2 7LR | 4 | |
St.Mary | Puddletown | DT2 8SN | 4 | |
Church | Charminster | DT2 9RD | 4 | |
The Holy Rood | Buckland Newton | DT2 7BX | 4 | |
St. Andrew | Binghams Melcombe | DT2 7PZ | 4 | |
Church | Up Cerne | DT2 7AW | 4 | |
St. Edward King and Martyr | Athelhampton | DT2 7LG | 5 | |
Church | Stratton | DT2 9RU | 5 | |
St. Peter and St. Paul | Mappowder | DT10 2EH | 5 | |
St. Michael | Stinsford | DT2 8XW | 5 | |
St. Mary | Bradford Peverell | DT2 9SB | 5 | |
Church | Hilton | DT11 0DE | 5 | |
St. Andrew | Minterne Magna | DT2 7AZ | 5 |
DHCT C/o Porter Dodson, 53 High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1UX
282790