The best hikes from bus stations around Charmouth

The Abbot's House in Charmouth, Dorset, is a historically significant and Grade II* listed building known for its deep connection to both religious and royal history. Here are the key details about the property: The Abbot's House in Charmouth, Dorset, is a historically significant and Grade II* listed building known for its deep connection to both religious and royal history. Here are the key details about the property: 1. Historical Origin Builder: It was built around 1525 by Thomas Charde, the last Abbot of Forde Abbey. Original Purpose: It was initially built for his cousin, Ralph Tibbes, the Bailiff of Charmouth (which was owned by Forde Abbey at the time). The "Fairest House": A survey of the village in 1575 described it as "the fairest House" in Charmouth. 2. Royal and Famous Connections The house is famous for two key royal associations: King Charles II's Escape (1651): The house (then an inn called The Queen's Arms) provided shelter for King Charles II while he was a fugitive following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester. He was waiting for a boat to take him to France, a plan that was famously foiled when the ship's master was prevented from leaving by his wife. Catherine of Aragon (Unconfirmed): The house is also reputed to have hosted Catherine of Aragon in 1501 while she was en route to London to marry Prince Arthur. This claim is often supported by the discovery of her pomegranate badge worked into the plaster of an upstairs room.

A main south west hotspot for hunting fossils

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The Abbots House in Charmouth—a property steeped in royal history. - King Charles II slept here on September 3–4, 1651, during his dramatic escape after the Battle of Worcester. - Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII, is also said to have stayed here in 1501, likely en route to her marriage to Prince Arthur.

careful crossing the golf course!

So much history in one building, I've created a highlight which includes all the amazing history,plus about 60 pictures. It's well worth a visit

* Historical Significance: A church was first founded on the site in the 9th century by Alfred the Great. The current building incorporates various architectural styles, including Norman, Early English, and Perpendicular, reflecting centuries of reconstruction and expansion. * Connection to Sir George Somers: The grave of Sir George Somers, who founded the colony of Bermuda and whose adventures are said to have inspired Shakespeare's "The Tempest," is located under the vestry. * Dorset County Symbol: St. Wite is the patron saint of Dorset, and her cross was adopted as the new county symbol in a public vote in 2008. The church continues to be an active Church of England parish church and is lovingly cared for by a local group, the Friends of St Candida.

Undisturbed Relics of St. Wite (St. Candida): It is one of only two churches in England (the other being Westminster Abbey) that still contains the undisturbed relics of the saint to whom it is dedicated, St. Wite (also known by her Latin name, St. Candida). This has created an unbroken line of pilgrimage to her shrine for over 1,000 years. "Cathedral of the Vale": It is known locally as "The Cathedral of the Vale" due to its historical significance and prominence in the Marshwood Vale. * Ancient Pilgrimage Site: The church has been a significant pilgrimage site for over a millennium, with pilgrims historically drawn by the reputation of St. Wite and the belief in the healing powers of her shrine. The shrine has three holes in its base where the sick could place body parts or offerings in hopes of miraculous healing. * Survival of the Reformation: Remarkably, the shrine and its relics survived the English Reformation, during which many such sacred sites were destroyed.