Listed Building: LYSCOMBE CHAPEL (106236)

CHESELBOURNE ST 70 SW LYSCOMBE 1/48 Lyscombe Chapel 26.1.56 GV II* Detached chapel, (dedication unknown). C12 chancel, nave almost entirely rebuilt in C15 and C16, probably became a dwelling in C17, now disused and semi-derelict. Flint walls, with bonding-courses and dressings of rubble; also some later brick dessings. The chapel is now covered entirely by a corrugated iron roof supported on iron stanchions outside the walls. East window, original single-light, slightly widened in C13 and a chamfered trefoil head inserted. North wall, original narrow window with rebated round head and splayed reveals, mutilated. South wall, original window enlarged and fitted with C20 surround. Chancel arch, mid C12, two centred and of 2 plain orders on west side with remains of a moulded label. On the east side it is flat. The responds have half round shafts supporting the inner order, and smaller shafts under the outer order. Capitals are scalloped, and have moulded abaci continued as a string on the west; the lower part of the north respond and most of the south respond have been destroyed and the capitals have been badly defaced. Floor beams and a stone stair were inserted in the chancel, late C16. Nave: (aisleless single unit). South wall rebuilt C15; north wall rebuilt late C16. Part of the chamfered east jamb of the south doorway survives near the ground; above it is a window of uncertain date, now partly blocked and altered by insertion of a second opening. West wall is late C16, gable contains a window with chamfered jambs cut from a single stone; the opening is now square but retains traces of two pointed lights and a central mullion. In the lower storey, the west wall has 2 Cl8 openings. A floor with stop chamfered beams was inserted in the nave as in the chancel, neither of these survive. Part of small medieval downland group with obscure history. 3½ hides of land at Lyscombe formed part of the original endowment of Milton Abbey. The chapel is mentioned in 1311 together with the chapels of Woolland and Whitcombe. It passed into lay hands when Henry VIII granted the Abbey's possessions to Sir John Tregonwell in 1540. (RCHM Dorset III, p75(2) Plate 130 Scheduled Ancient Monument (M 162) Cal Pat Rolls 1307-13, p 389) Listing NGR: ST7366701066

Record last edited

Jan 12 2022 9:06AM