Listed Building record MDO27767 - Chantmarle, Cattistock

Fifteenth century Manor-House, with sixteenth century alterations. Main east range of house, dated "Emmanuel 1612" on porch keystone, by Joseph and Daniel Rowe of Hamdon for Sir John Strode.

The west wing was built in the second half of 15th century, when the property belonged to Cheverel. In the 16th century a separate block was erected to the south of the original. The property was bought by John Strode in 1604 and in 1612 the existing main block was built, in an E-shape, the wings extending to the east. The projection of the north wing and the whole of the south wing has been demolished, the site of the latter being occupied by a later building. <5> Sir John Strode demolished most of the earlier building, except for the west wing, and stated that it had been enclosed by a moat, probably fed by the River Frome. <2>?Upton Chantmarle, a manor house, at one time the property of the family of that name. In the time of Hen. III, "Robt. Chantmarle, de Chantmarle" occurs in a list of those holding lands"(a). The property passed by marriage to the Cheverels. The building by Sir John Strode was begun in 1619, but seems to have been not wholly completed internally. Adjoining the house on the S. side are the remains of a domestic chapel of 17thc. date., now used as a wood house. <3> Similar information and in the earlier house the chapel - confirmed and approved by Bp. of Bristol 20 May 1544 - was inconveniently placed. In the new building [i.e. 1612] it is set apart from the house 'upon the right hand coming to the house'. It was consecrated 14. Sept. 1619. <1> [Similar information] <4> The house is still known as Chantmarle; it is now used as a Police Training Centre. <6.1> The 15thc and c. 17thc. parts of Chantmarle are shewn in the photo-plan above, and are in a good state of preservation. Large modern additions in similar styles have been erected N. and S. of the early work. The site of the domestic chapel could not be ascertained during field investigation. In this connexion the alleged site given in Auth 2 cannot be reconciled with Hutchins' site (Auth 3). The former authority has wrongly applied the consecration date of the chapel, 1619, to the house. <6> No change. Chantmarle is an outstanding house. <7> Sir John Strode demolished most of the earlier building, except for the west wing, and stated that it had been enclosed by a moat, probably fed by the River Frome. <8> Chantmarle is as described and in use as a police college. Circa 30m east of the ornamental pond in front (east) of the house is a furtherpond, embanked on its east side now heavily overgrown. Whilst this may be a further feature of the original garden layout, the possibility exists that it was originally a fish pond. Possibly associated with earlier houses on the site. <9>

Record last edited

Nov 16 2022 3:40PM