St. Aldhelms

St. Aldhelm was the first Bishop of Sherborne and probable founder of The Lady St. Mary Priory.

The southernmost headland of Purbeck is named in his memory and a small Norman chapel on its top is dedicated to him. On the roof there is a circular structure, thought once to have been a cresset where a beacon was kept burning to warn shipping of the dangerous tide race below.

The distinctive shape of St. Adhelm's Head.

St Aldhelm's Head is composed of hard limestone above Kimmeridge shales. The distinctive shape is visible for many miles at sea and in turn it is a superb vantage from which to survey the waters. Whales and dolphins have been spotted from this cliff-top and hosts of seabirds can be seen working the waters below.

Stay at The Priory Hotel when you visit St. Aldhelms
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