Bishop's Caundle

Bishop's Caundle is a parish in the hundred, union, and division of Sherborne, about 5 miles South-east by east from Sherborne, and 6 miles South-west from Sturminster Newton. The origin of the name "Caundle" is unclear, though it has been suggested to be of Celtic origin, and was formerly the name of the range of low hills that lies mainly to the north of the village. The original settlements that are still present within Bishop's Caundle parish are Bishop's Caundle and Wake Caundle. Until 1886 the parish contained parts of the neighbouring parish of Caundle Marsh, and there were parts of Bishop's Caundle parish within Caundle Marsh and Folke parishes.

Cornford Bridge over Caundle Brook dates from around 1480 and is one of less than 200 medieval multi-span bridges to survive in England.

The church is an ancient edifice with tower, containing four bells. The dedication of the church is unknown, being sometimes incorrectly ascribed to Sts. Peter and Paul. Much of the main body of the church dates from the 14th century, though the tower and other features are from the 15th.

In 1861 the population, including the tything of Caundle Wake and the hamlet of Bishopsdown, was 371, and consisted 1,397 acres.

The Online Parish Clerk (OPC) for Bishop's Caundle is Derek Baker
Please place the words 'OPC Bishops Caundle' as your subject for e-mails (click on Derek's name above to generate a pre-addressed email)
Derek does not live in the village but is nearby within Dorset