Chideock Museum
Small village museum inside the Catholic church in Chideock, with displays on local history, the Chideock martyrs and the Arundell and Weld families.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Chideock Museum is housed in the Church of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs and St Ignatius on North Road in Chideock. The church is a memorial to the local Catholics who were put to death for their faith, and it was created from a barn chapel by Charles Weld in 1874. Chideock Castle, the home of the Catholic Arundell family, was destroyed in the Civil War, after which local Catholics worshipped in secret in a barn loft beside the present Manor House.
The museum tells the story of the village and its Catholic past. Its displays cover the Domesday Book, the royal charter of 1356, the Arundell and Weld families, the Chideock martyrs and the village Catholic school. They also deal with the Chideock workhouse of 1799, local coats of arms and Chideock’s photographic history, including the Castle Inn and the village forge.
Cabinets of curiosities hold everyday objects such as Victorian wedding gloves and a poacher’s fish spear, and old copies of a local newspaper from the Second World War years are kept. Visitors can look through the Memoirs of Chideock photograph album while wearing the white gloves provided. A study area is available for research and school visits.
Highlights
- Chideock martyrs and the Catholic history of the village
- Arundell and Weld family displays
- Royal charter of 1356 and Domesday Book material
- Cabinets of curiosities with local everyday objects
- Memoirs of Chideock photograph album
Permanent exhibition
- Chideock village and Catholic history – Displays on the Arundell and Weld families, the Chideock martyrs, the royal charter of 1356, the workhouse and cabinets of local curiosities.
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum is inside the church on North Road, about a 10-minute walk from St Giles Church on Main Street: turn right at the church and walk towards North Chideock.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
The museum can be used for small village social functions.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | A study area is available for research or school visits. Enquiries for school visits go to the church office by email. |
