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.
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