St. Aldhelm's Chapel, St. Aldhelm's Head, Norman chapel in Worth Matravers, England
St. Aldhelm's Chapel is a square stone structure with a central supporting column dividing its interior. The building sits perched on coastal cliffs at approximately 108 meters (354 feet) elevation.
The structure was built around 1150 and received regular funding for a chaplain during King Henry III's reign. It underwent significant restoration in the 19th century.
The chapel bears the name of Saint Aldhelm, a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon scholar and bishop. The place holds spiritual meaning for local communities and remains a site of pilgrimage and reflection.
The site is accessible on foot and welcomes visitors exploring the clifftop landscape. Wear sturdy footwear as the pathways are uneven and wind conditions can be strong.
The chapel aligns with compass directions rather than the traditional east-west orientation found in most medieval churches. This unusual alignment suggests it may have served a dual purpose as a lookout post for the coast.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Clavell Tower
6 km
Winspit
1.7 km
Encombe House
3.4 km
Square and Compass
2.5 km
Smedmore House
4.9 km
The Etches Collection
6.2 km
Leeson House
5.4 kmChapman's Pool
1.6 km
St James's Church, Kingston
4 km
Hen Cliff
5.9 km
St Nicholas's Church, Kimmeridge
6.2 km
Parish Church of Saint Nicholas, Worth Matravers
2.2 km
Old Church of Saint James
4.1 km
Parish Church of Saint George
5 km
The Castle Inn
6.3 km
United Reformed Church, Including Boundary Railings on North
6.4 km
Bowl barrow 470m WNW of Peaked Close House: part of a dispersed round barrow cemetery on Corfe Common
5.3 km
Bowl barrow 930m WNW of Peaked Close House: part of a dispersed round barrow cemetery on Corfe Common
5.4 km
Nos 40 And 42 Including Garden Wall South Of No 42
6.4 km
32, West Street
6.4 km
35 And 37, West Street
6.4 km
Two Headstones To Benjamin And Elizabeth Jesty. 12 M North Of Church Of Saint Nicholas
2.3 km
13 And 15, West Street
6.4 km
Cooper's Shop
6.4 km
Group of medieval strip lynchets at East and West Man
1.9 km
Milestone, 25m W of turning to Worth Matravers
3.7 km
Milestone, 150m W of turning to Worth Matravers
4.1 km
Milestone, Langton Matravers; 30M W of Ship Inn
5.3 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes