CHILCOMBE

This is a hidden church found at the end of a long country lane and sharing one of the most delightful sites in the county with a mellow farmhouse.  It is also said by some to be the smallest church in England at just 35 by 14 feet and seating for 40.  There is a simple bell-cote at the west end.

This is essentially a Norman church, but like many it was altered in 14 and 15c and there have been later restorations.  The font is Norman.  Note, a very important wooden panel, partly carved and partly pokerwork, representing the scourging, the crucifixion and rising of Christ.  Sir Fredrick Treves in his 'Highways and Byeways in Dorset' suggests that it may have been recovered from one of the ships of the Spanish Armada wrecked on Chesil Beach in 1588.