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St Aldhelm's Head

Location

Dorset Map

OS Ref: SY 961 756

Last Visited: 2014

Whilst St Aldhelmʼs Head (sometimes referred to as St Albanʼs Head) has a lot going for it, Iʼve never ben able to work out a decent walk up here.

The track from the car park at Renscombe Farm to the Chapel and headland is a bit of a yomp to say the least; the quarry being the only point of any interest.

Turn left at the end and there is a fairly long circular walk back to the car park along a relatively low and uninteresting bit of cliff and through the edge of Worth Matravers.

Turn right, and the cliffs are far more spectacular, but to get back to the car park you are faced with a steep climb down nearly to sea level followed by an equally steep climb back up on to Emmetts Hill. Doable, but not exactly a stroll.

Royal Marines Table and Benches

Location

Dorset Map

OS Ref: SY 958 768

Last Visited: 2014

Royal Marines Table and Benches

Royal Marines Table and Benches

I have to admit that I find the Royal Marines Table and Benches on Emmetts Hill near St Aldhelmʼs Head confusing.

Whilst it is a lovely spot to sit and have a picnic, it seems somehow disrespectful to use the table and benches for that purpose. I am also not sure that being reminded of the horrors of war would do anything to enhance the enjoyment of the picnic.

The Plaque reads:

The table and benches have been built by the Royal Marines Association Dorset Branch to the memory of all Royal Marines killed 1975 - 1990
Rest awhile and reflect that we who are living can enjoy the beauty of the sea and countryside

There is a further plaque set into the base which reads:

This plaque is dedicated to all Royal Marines who have died in the service of their country since 1990

External Links and References

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St Aldhelm's Chapel

Location

Dorset Map

OS Ref: SY 960 755

Last Visited: 2014

St Aldhelm's Chapel

St Aldhelm's Chapel

St Aldhelmʼs Chapel is odd. For a start it is square and has a column in the middle, making it a very awkward space for a public services.

St Aldhelm's Chapel

St Aldhelm's Chapel

As the corners of the building are oriented towards the cardinal points of the compass, the 'East End' just the corner furthest from the door.

There is no sign of a piscina or any kind of permanent altar, which suggests that it was not originally a chapel.

When it was built in the late 12th century, it may have been some sort of watch tower or look out, and perhaps a place of private prayer for those waiting for their loved ones to return from the sea.

It is named after Aldhelm who in 705 AD was the first Bishop of Sherborne.

External Links and References

  • External Links

  • Recommended Books

  • Leaflets

    • St Nicholas and St Aldhem, Church and Chapel at Worth Matravers, Dorset
      Guidebook to the two buildings available at St Nicholas Church

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St Alhelm's Head Radar Memorial

Location

Dorset Map

OS Ref: SY 961 754

Last Visited: 2014

St Alhelm's Head Radar Memorial

St Alhelm's Head Radar Memorial

The St Aldhelmʼs Head Radar Memorial Dorset represents two radar dishes arranged in such a way that they form a large fire basket. The fire basket represents the beacons that were lit to warn of the Spanish armada. These days radar is the modern equivalent.

It is made from stainless steel and set on a Purbeck stone plinth, and was unveiled by Sir Bernard Lovell on Saturday 27th October 2001.

External Links and References

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