Chalbury

Chalbury is a small village in East Dorset in the Hundred of Badbury, four miles north of Wimborne Minster, five miles from Blandford and four miles west of Verwood. The name is believed to have derived from the fine shale which covered the area. It includes the tything of Didlington. In 2001 the population was 140. 

 

The Church of All Saints dates from the 13th Century, the interior is of great age with locked Box Pews of wood for the gentry, and some of simpler construction at the rear to accommodate the working class. In 1293 the Church lands and priory belonged to the Abbess of Wilton. Remarkable views are available from three sides of the church with Horton tower prominent. The little church itself is white-washed with a red tile roof, and although the chancel and parts of the nave are 13th century the overall impression is 18th century. The Folly or Lookout Tower was built by Humphrey Sturt of More Crichel.

 

Chalbury Church - courtesy of Southern Life (Ann McCallum Brisbane, Australia)