Our Lady Queen of Martyrs & St Ignatus

A beautiful Italian style church, revealing a history of the Catholic martyrs.

Chideock, Dorset

Oriau agor

Open daily 10am to 4pm.

Cyfeiriad

North Road
Chideock
Dorset
DT6 6LF

Situated in the picturesque village of Chideock, on the Jurassic Coast, this church is a place of great spirituality and inspiration and a Marian shrine.

Chideock Castle was built by John de Chideocke in 1380. In the Middle Ages, it passed into the hands of the Arundells of Lanherne, a powerful west country family who remained loyal to their faith when the old religion was banned. The castle became a refuge for Catholic priests and a place where loyal Catholic villagers could go to Mass.

During this time, seven Chideock men were martyred for their faith. When the castle was destroyed in the Civil War, the Arundells left Chideock, but despite persecution, the local people kept the faith and worshipped in secret in the loft of a barn next to the present manor house.

In 1802, Thomas Weld of Lulworth Castle, a relation of the Arundells and also a member of an old Catholic family, bought Chideock estate for his sixth son, Humphrey, who built the present Manor House and turned the barn into a modest chapel. In 1874, Humphrey’s son, Charles, transformed the latter into the beautiful church we know today.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • National heritage here

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Catholic Church

  • Partnership Grant, £2,500, 2013

  • Our Partnership Grants funded a range of repair projects, recommended by County Church Trusts, to help keep churches open.

Contact information

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