Monument record MDO1 - St Catherine's Chapel, Abbotsbury

Chapel situated to the west of St Peter's Abbey and lying beyond the abbey precinct. The chapel was constructed in the late 14th century on the crest of a hill now known as Chapel Hill and was commissioned by either Abbot Henry de Thorpe or Abbot William Cerne. It is built of local stone with heavily buttressed walls and a stone barrel-vaulted ceiling. A roof of Clipsham stone slabs was fitted in 1983 to replace the original stone slabs. The hilltop situation of the chapel typifies the cult of St Catherine, who was widely venerated during the Middle Ages. The chapel was dissolved in 1539 and no longer used for regular ecclesiastical services. However, the structure continued to be maintained and formed a well known local landmark which was also visible from the coast. Repairs were conducted in 1742 and in the late 19th century.

The chapel was built by the Abbey of Abbotsbury late in the 14th century and is substantially unaltered. It was repaired in 1742 and late in the 19th century, and is now in the charge of the Ministry of Works. The building is rectangular, heavily buttressed, with a north and south porch, and a projecting stair turret on the north-west angle. (Full architectural details given). St Catherine's Chapel is now disused. Listed as especially worthy of preservation. <4> Built mid 15th century and intended no doubt as a Chantry where masses were said for the souls of sailors. <3> St Catherine's Chapel. Grade I. Rubble and ashlar with slate roof. It has an elaborate stone vaulted roof and north and south porches. Beacon turret. Plain parapet with embattled pinnacles rising from massive buttresses. C.15. A.M. In care of Ministry of Works. <4> Description in Authority 2 correct. The east window alone retains some tracery. The chapel is situated on a commanding hill overlooking the sea and the turret in the NW angle was possibly used as a beacon tower which strongly suggests that the chapel was, in fact, a Chantry for sailors. Well preserved. <6> SY 572848. St Catherine's Chapel. <7>

Record last edited

May 20 2024 2:46PM