St Peter & St Paul

Our Grade I listed church is Cattistock's most ancient piece of history, a masterpiece among Dorset churches (Pevsner). 

Its earliest recorded rector was Roger de Cryketot 1298. Famous architects, Sir George Gilbert Scott and his son supplanted the 18th century building, which in turn had grown on the site of earlier churches reaching back to pre-Norman times - small stone remnants of which have been incorporated into the fabric of the present building. Indeed it may have been a sacred place since pre-historic times, for the church sits on two significant ley lines, one from Old Sarum to Powerstock motte and bailey, and one from Tarrant Keyneston church through Milton Abbey to Jack's Hill. 

On entering, the large Baptistery first catches the eye with its richly decorated ceiling and walls, including a painting of St George & the Dragon. The cover of the font is an amazingly elaborate wooden structure over 15' high. The Lady Chapel contains some 17th century panelling and in the east wall of the south aisle is a late 13th century stone coffin lid with an incised cross. 

A beautiful stained glass window of six angels designed by Burne-Jones 1882, made by Morris & Co. can be seen in the south aisle as also an adjoining window of 1916 by Kempe & Tower. Taking up most of the west wall is a spectacular 'Tree of Jesse' window by Burlison & Grylls and others in the chancel by leading late 19th century stained glass designers. The north window is certainly 15th century. 

Then there is the wonderful craftmanship of the iron chancel gates, the Caen stone figures of St Peter and the Evangelists around the pulpit and a most eye-catching chancel ceiling. 

The organ was built in 1868 by W F Walker and the firm continues to tune it to this day.