Steeple

Known as Stiple in 1086 (Domesday), Stuple in 1204 and Stepel in 1222 the name means A steep place which partly explains why St Michael's Church at Steeple has only a tower. Steeple is tucked deep within the folds of the Purbeck Hills. There are many steep inclines in the locality and which of them gave rise to the name is uncertain.

Much of the property of Tyneham Church was moved here after evacuation including the organ.

St. Michael's is a far finer church than is required by the present congregation, evidence that the population has declined. One relic of a departed family is worthy of notice.

Above the doorway in the picture is carved a coat of arms. take a close look at it.

It is dated 1616 and is the arms of the Lawrence-Washington family. The Lawrences' ragged cross is quartered with the Washington's two bars surmounted by three mullets(stars).

The stars and bars may be more familiar in a different guise. In 1657 John Washington settled in Virginia. It was his grandson George Washington who became the first President of the United States of America.

Stay at The Priory Hotel when you visit Steeple
Next: Tyneham
Sources.