9.85 miles from Little Bredy on 29 April 2015
The picturesque Chapel in the Wood
The 'Chapel in the Wood' dates from around 1245 and was an abbey inhabited by a few monks. After the Dissolution the community was abandoned and the chapel in the wood faded into obscurity until new owners bought property nearby - Sir David and Lady Olga Milne-Watson, who fell in love with the ruined chapel. They employed workmen to conserve what remained of the ruin and added an altar and cross to the site. Both the Milne-Watsons are buried here and the occasional wedding blessing or baptism still takes place at this peaceful spot.
Bridehead House in its beautiful setting
The manor of Brydian was owned by Cerne Abbey from 987 until the Dissolution. A manor house was built on the present site by Sir Robert Mellor in 1600, but was changed out of recognition in the 19th century, mostly by Christchurch architect Benjamin Ferrey. His client was Robert Williams of the bank, Williams Deacon & Co, and the Williams family still owns Bridehead.