Monument record MWX823 - St Andrew's Chapel, Brownsea Island, Studland

12th century chapel and hermitage founded by the Abbot of Cerne. Last documented in 1581-2.

The monks (of Cerne Abbey) built a chapel on the Island of Brownsea, which was served by a resident priest whose special duty was to minister to the spiritual needs of shipping folk and wayfarers. The chapel was dedicated to St. Andrew, and was still standing when Leland visited Poole in Henry VIII's reign. <1> No information to site this chapel was obtained during field investigation. <2> Area of St Andrews Hill and St Andrews Terrace (centred SZ 02558827) closely perambulated but no visible standing remains were found, this area is thickly tree-covered with deep undergrowth. <3> A chapel and hermitage dedicated to St Andrew was built on Brownsea Island by the Abbot of Cerne in the reign of Henry II (1134-89). <4> Hutchins quotes Leland as stating that `Sum say that there has been a piracy in it' (Browmen Leland), and further that there were no buildings on the island except the chapel. A Medieval cemetery has been discovered at SZ 0286 8761 which was probably associated with the chapel. <5> Ewen records that three tons of brazil nuts were stored in the chapel in 1581/2 because they were spoils of purrey? [piracy?], which implies it was still extant. <6>

Record last edited

May 8 2024 11:51AM