Old pictures of Dorset village of Chideock and castle

The remains of Chideock Castle, the ancient seat of the de Chideocks and the Arundells, are in the parish.

On the higher ground to the north east ditches mark the site of the castle of the de Chideock family. It's a roughly square moated enclosure.

An engraving of Chideock Castle by Nathaniel Buck, 1774 (Image: Supplied) There is no masonry now, though this view of 1733 shows a mighty gatehouse which was destroyed in 1741.

This view and documentary evidence suggests that the castle was built c. 1370-80.

Chideock is made up of thatched stone cottage and barns lining the A35, and, as these pictures taken by Bridport photographer Claud Hider show, has plenty of bucolic charm.

These old pictures were taken by Hider from 1922 onwards and have been digitally archived by history buff Neil Mattingly. 

Mr Mattingly has compiled some then and now pictures. First we see a wonderfully nostalgic street scene of youngsters in their long hats and coats out playing.

Youngsters at play in Chideock (Image: Claud Hider) The same view now shows the normally busy A35 at a quieter time with no traffic. The village of Chideock lines this main Dorset route, which is used by thousands of motorists a day.

The same view today (Image: Neil Mattingly) Hider captured an image of Our Lady of Martyrs and St Ignatius Catholic church.

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It was built in 1870-2 by Charles Weld to his own design. On the eastern exterior is a former barn, at its centre, a gable with image niches and some elaboration below the gable coping. The church was extended into the barn in 1884 by JS Hansom, creating a domed sanctuary.

Our Lady of Martyrs, Chideock (Image: Claud Hider) Inside the church is richly decorative and intricate. Over the sanctuary is an octagonal lantern and low dome.

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Above the arcades are framed paintings of the English Martyrs and Sir John Arundell. There is also decorative painting to the pointed ceiling vault. In front of the sanctuary arch are two free-standing columns, each topped by an Italian marble statue of Our Lady and St Joseph. 

Our Lady of Martyrs, Chideock in more recent times (Image: Neil Mattingly)

Two sections of the former barn were converted to a chapel by Humphrey Weld in 1810-15. These parts include the sacristy and loft chapel beyond, containing rich frescoes, covering the entire walls and ceiling.  

With thanks to Neil Mattingly and the The Buildings of England - Dorset.